Beth Burkholder, Starbucks icon, succumbs
Beth Burkholder spent much of her time in the last year right up to January 1, 2008 sipping green tea and engaging in conversation with many of the Starbucks' patrons at Starbucks' Camp Hill, Pennsylvania store. In between her medical treatments, you could say that she made Starbucks her second home. She passed away on January 4. She was only 46 years young. In tribute to her, the Starbucks partners at Camp Hill setup a table for her for the last time. As of this posting funeral services were undetermined.
Beth always sat at this table where she literally ran her consulting business with a Blackberry device and laptop. She was an icon of inspiration to all of us who knew her. Her presence influenced everyone particularly in the manner in which she dealt with the pain and suffering. She never expressed the overwhelming self-doubt and depression associated with her illness. Each day came to her as an opportunity to make a positive difference with her friends at Starbucks and elsewhere. Beth had more strength and courage than anyone could imagine; it never ran dry.
Life is a gift. Beth lived it fully. Thank you Beth for sharing your courage and strength.
May you rest in peace!
Labels: Caffeine Culture, Starbucks
posted by High Volume Sales Rep @ 1/05/2008
9 Comments
9 Comments:
Walked into starbucks this morning perfectly content, left a few minutes later stunned. I didn't know her name, never said more than a few words to her over the years. But she was a constant in my routine knowing that likely she will be at her table. I would never have guessed she was sick until a few hours ago. She was outgoing, kind, upbeat and knowledgable about lots of subjects. The Patriot obituary didn't have answers to my questions. Thanks for your post.
drew
My morning trip to SBX just wasn't the same....I was aware of Beth's passing from my husband, but hearing it, and being there, were two different things. I spent many a Saturday and Sunday morning, chatting with Beth over my coffee....she will be greatly missed.
Like many others who stop at Starbucks for their daily caffeine fix-- Beth had become part of my morning routine. I used to walk in and see her- and we would exchange knowing "nods" that we Starbucks groupies often did- then one day she said hello- and I made a point of talking with her each time I stopped. I discovered she was a fascinating, intelligent woman. I had heard through the grapevine that she was ill, (she never mentioned it to me) and as a writer, I had decided that I wanted to "tell her story" and maybe feature her in one of our upcoming health issues. I put it on my "to do" list-- figuring I had "plenty of time.' Sadly, I was proven wrong. However, with her passing I take with me the lesson to "embrace the journey now" because you're never guaranteed anything beyond this moment. And I have Beth to thank for that. She is the epitome of someone who truly embraced life one moment at a time, and she has become my inspiration to do the same. Peace, love, light to you sweet angel. You will be missed.
Beth Burkholder was an assistant field hockey coach at Carlisle High School and Middle School. This is the information we received about her funeral services which will take place in Carlisle. Beth's father is the trainer for Carlisle High School and her brother is the trainer for the Phildelphia Eagles.
Memorial services will be held for Coach Burkholder on Wednesday
evening at The First United Church of Christ on N. Pitt Street at 7:30 P.M. There is a visitation from 6-7:30 P.M. there at the church.
Hi, I'm wondering if anyone can share what caused her death? I was shocked and greatly saddened to hear she passed away. I was not aware that she was ill. This is a very nice tribute to her. Thank you~
Beth Burkholder...just her name brings a smile to your face when you say it. What an amazing woman! I am a frequent morning visitor of Starbucks in Camp Hill. Beth, like the coffee, was always there. I walked in one morning this week, same daily routine, and found "Beth's table". I could have fell to my knees. I instantly began to cry and the tears would not stop. I had no idea she was not well. She never spoke of her illness to me. However, she always told me stories of her dogs, her beloved dogs. I cherish every single conversation I had with her. She was a woman filled with great strength and compassion. For those of us who were so very fortunate to have had her grace our lives, we will never, ever forget her. May you rest in peace dear Starbucks Angel. You are so sadly missed.
~Colleen
It is amazing how much you think you know someone and what they are all about. The comments posted here are very kind, very generous and respectful. There are some people hurting from her passing and when they read the comments here from the Starbucks customers they are a bit shocked. Beth led such a different life when at Starbucks compared to the one she lived for real. It was just amazing shock to read what is posted and know what the reality was. May her soul rest in peace and forever be with the Lord.
It would be improper to ask and to tell why she passed away in this forum. It would be painful to the family to ask them and only the family and a few select persons were told the reason she passed so quickly.
Beth passed of pneumonia, she never had cancer.
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home