Beautta Catanzaro Obituary

Mundelein - Beautta (Bea) Jeanette Catanzaro, age 83, passed away on February 18, 2025.

Bea was born on April 19, 1941, in Wisconsin. She was raised in the Sparta area before moving to Mundelein, IL. Bea married her high school sweetheart, Charles, in 1960 and traveled the country with him before becoming a stay-at-home mom in 1971. She worked outside the home when her children were older and ended her career at Brunswick Corp.

During her stay-at-home mom years, she babysat many neighborhood children and was affectionately known as “Mama Bea” and “Auntie Bea.” She was famous for her homemade pizza, butterfly cupcakes, and amazing tight hugs. Her family was everything to her. She doted on her children and their activities, attending everything they did and putting her all into helping. She was a staple at the Mundelein Park District Dance studio for many years, sewing costumes and helping with recitals. She would often stitch someone into a costume at a moment's notice and thrived on the excitement of it all. She took great pride in the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren and couldn’t have been prouder of them. Her smile was infectious, and she always had a story to tell or kind and helpful advice to give. Anyone who crossed paths with Bea felt an immediate connection with her.

Bea is survived by her husband, Charles, of almost 65 years; her two children, Douglas (Suzanne) Catanzaro and Christina (Kevin) Barnak; her four beautiful grandchildren, Emma, Sophie, Bennett, and Evan; her sisters, Yvonne Gerlach and Clare (Bob) Sklodowski; several nieces and nephews; and her foster family members.

Bea was preceded in death by her foster parents, Paul and Venna Comar; her mother, Violet Revels; and her siblings, Phylis Perrin, Donna Mehl, Arlyce Manning, Bud Ellsworth Erickson, and Dennis Erickson.

Services will be held privately with Bea’s husband, children, and grandchildren