The life of Noreen Theresa (O’Brien) Beardmore was one centered on faith, family, and service to others - a life full of love, generosity, humility, and humor. Noreen was a truly devout woman. She hungered to know the teachings of the faith and to love Jesus. A devout servant leader, she spent many hours volunteering at St. Boniface Parish, the Lafayette Catholic School System, and the Diocese of Lafayette.
Unfortunately, the earthly life of Noreen Beardmore was cut short in June 2021 after a valiant battle against an aggressive form of cancer, but the impact of her life continues to touch others.
Through a generous gift from the O’Brien family and overwhelming support from family and friends, the family established the Noreen O’Brien Beardmore Endowment for Goodness and Humanity and are transforming the hallway entrance to the St. Joseph Chapel at Central Catholic Jr.-Sr. High School in her honor.
Dr. Michael Beardmore explained the purpose behind the new endowment:
The Catholic faith was the foundation of Noreen O’Brien Beardmore's life. The endowment in her honor has a three-fold focus on allowing her to continue to work to build God’s kingdom from Heaven.
First, during Noreen’s early adult life, she unexpectedly faced the challenges of being a young, single mother with two small children. At times she was unable to pay her utility bills, buy gas or groceries, or meet basic financial needs. Despite these struggles, her Catholic faith never wavered. She trusted that God would provide for her and her family. After several difficult years, Noreen remarried, moved to Lafayette to start a new life with her husband Mike, and they eventually had 6 more children. All 8 Beardmore children attended 12 years of Lafayette Catholic Schools. Caitie, the oldest child entered St. Mary kindergarten in 1990. The youngest child, Caroline, is in the Central Catholic class of 2023.
The difficulties Noreen experienced as a young adult cultivated a lifelong desire to help others who were just “down on their luck” as she would often say. Over the years she gave generously, humbly, and lovingly to numerous families in times of financial distress. Sometimes people knew it was her, sometimes they didn’t. She had no expectation of being repaid here on earth. She would simply say, “God will never be outdone in generosity.” It is fitting that this endowment will continue Noreen’s legacy of providing emergency financial assistance to members of the Lafayette Catholic Schools family. Whether it be utility bills, groceries, or something else, we believe that Noreen is excited to continue to allow God to bless through her.
Second, the transformation of the hallway leading to the St. Joseph Chapel is a fitting tribute to how she still wants to direct everyone to God. The Catholic education of children is her most precious desire and there is no greater teacher than God Himself. Creating a sacred and meaningful entrance to the Chapel will allow those who pass through to recognize that inside the doors is the foundation of our school, our faith, and our lives: Jesus Christ.
Third, Noreen had a deep respect for Catholic schools and teachers. She volunteered countless hours of her time and gave freely of her talents and treasure in order to support the needs of our schools and our teachers. When she worked as the Health and Safety Coordinator for the Diocese, she visited many Catholic schools and saw how hard the administration works to keep and bless good teachers. This endowment will provide ongoing financial support for the educational needs of LCSS teachers and offer replenishing experiences for their continued growth. Noreen wants all teachers to be able to use their gifts for God’s glory and she is still supporting them from above!
A note from the family: The establishment of this endowment was a pleasant and seamless process. Matt Buche and the LCSS Advancement Office were extremely helpful and supportive of the time we needed to discern God’s (and Noreen’s) will for this fund. They worked with our family to provide a variety of options to honor Noreen’s memory. We are grateful for the guidance and support provided to us throughout this entire process and we hope others join Noreen in continuing to work for our Catholic Schools from Heaven.