On Saturday, March 14, at 11:30 pm, Nadine passed away, surrounded by family and dear friends, at St. Peters’ Hospital in Helena, Montana. She had just celebrated her 16th birthday.
Nadine was born in Great Falls, Montana on February 22, 1999. She was the first child of Cheri Long and in 2002, was adopted by her loving father, Dan Beadle.
Her brother, Levi, was born in 2002, and has been her constant companion. She admired Levi’s humor, even though he picked on her. They loved to fix up their play cabin, build forts in the woods, and go sledding in our yard. Many of our friends in Marysville will fondly remember the lemonade stands!
Nadine was extremely close to her family. Her maternal grandparents, Sam and Linda Long, moved to Marysville in her early life, and have been part of our immediate family; sharing wonderful memories including a road trip through Utah and Arizona (including that hot air balloon ride!), trips to the beaches of Oregon and Washington, and camping at Lake Alva and Canyon Creek Cabin – very special places for Nadine. Her paternal grandmother, Gertrude Beadle, taught her how to play cribbage at the kitchen table in her log cabin home in Sanbornton, New Hampshire. There was much laughter shared with her Aunt Barbara and Uncle Roger on their maple farm, where she first learned to milk a goat, make maple candy, and drive a tractor.
Nadine loved to read (this will be a shock to many of her early-year teachers, but it is true!). She loved the water, and our last visit to Oregon will be an indelible memory for all of us – cartwheeling on the beach, running through the surf, and learning to skim board. Snowboarding, kayaking, swimming, fishing, geocaching and camping were some of Nadine’s favorite activities.
It was on a family vacation to New Hampshire when she was 6 years old, that Nadine was first diagnosed with Wilms Tumor. She was treated at Childrens’ Hospital at Dartmouth, and returned to St. Peters in Helena where she met the true loves of her life, her nurses: Todd and Emily Burton, Vicky Byrd, Mary Thomas and so many others – too many to name them all. These amazing care-givers loved her through three bouts of cancer, each progressively more difficult. Vicky tells the story of Nadine jumping out of her mother’s arms at the Cancer Treatment Center, running down the hallway, throwing herself into Vicky’s arms, and planting a big, fat, full-on-the-mouth-kiss and squealing with delight: “I love you, Vicky!” Last week, when this final journey began, the only people she wanted to treat her were Todd and Emily. Perhaps her most important care-giver was Cindy Little, who listened, understood, guided, and loved her through much of her life.
Nadine had a mature and wise faith and understanding of what is truly important in this life. She knew, in her own words, that “having cancer is no fun – but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun just because you have cancer.” OLV Youth Group, led by David and Deidre Casey, was the highlight of each week. She shared her faith with her best friend, Emma Rausch, who could see the beauty in Nadine, always.
She also met some of the most important people in her life through supportive childrens’ oncology organizations like Camp Braveheart, Big Sky Adventure Camp and the annual Spring Fling – all programs of Big Sky Kids through EagleMount in Bozeman. Erin Fuller-Crozier, Liza Batzler and Jen Waters took her fishing, white water rafting, taught her many campfire songs, and helped us to understand the many graces that come with childhood cancer. The climbing wall, the zip line and the talent night at Camp Mak-A-Dream were favorites for both Nadine and Levi. And the wonderful volunteers at Montana Hope Project made her wish – a family trip to Alaska – come true. Cal Janes took her on too many motorcycle rides to count, and was eternally patient when she asked for just one more! Nadine also spent many wonderful summer weeks at Legendary Lodge, where so many counselors have shaped her faith life, hiking to the cross, camper-chucking, and night raids of the kitchen.
Nadine was preceded in death by her beloved Big Sky Kids family members: Will Canan, Sean Kelly, Hunter Spurgeon, Raffi Walsh and Bobby Whalen.
Nadine is survived by her family: Cheri Long, Dan Beadle, Levi Long, Sam and Linda Long. Her “other family”: Annette Walstad and John Raush, Abby, Emma and Isabel Rausch. Her Godmother: Tracy Grove.
Nadine gave specific instructions for her services, and we are honoring them to the best of our ability. When describing what she wanted for her funeral she said: “I don’t want black clothes at my funeral. Those are depressing colors. I want bright, cheerful colors – I want the joyful part instead of moping around. Yes, it’s sad. But it’s joyful.”
In lieu of flowers, Cheri and Dan request donations are made in Nadine’s name to: Big Sky Kids — www.eaglemount.org; Camp Mak-a-Dream — www.campdream.org ; or Montana Hope Project — www.hopeproject.org
The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, March 19th at Our Lady of Lourdes, 253 Grand Street in Marysville. A vigil will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 19th, at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1502 Shirley Road in Helena. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 20th, at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1502 Shirley Road in Helena. A reception will follow the Mass in the Social Center of the church. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Nadine.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday March 19, 2015
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
253 Grand Street
Marysville, Montana 59640
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Thursday March 19, 2015
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena , Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday March 20, 2015
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Friday March 20, 2015
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena , Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday March 19, 2015
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
253 Grand Street
Marysville, Montana 59640
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Thursday March 19, 2015
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena , Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday March 20, 2015
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Friday March 20, 2015
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena , Montana 59602
Share
Rebekka Dodge says
Rest lovingly in the arms of Jesus and the angels you beautiful sweet little girl. Levi – I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for this family will be on my lips. Thank you Nadine for touching my life.
Lillian Tovey says
May GOD provide peace to this family. Rest well Nadine.
Sidney Lamb says
Nadine was truly one that brightened my day everyday. I have had the great pleasure of knowing her for as long as I can remember. I was always there when she needed it, but I get mad because I don’t think I ever made that clear to her. Nadine’s kind ways and words will forever rest in my heart. I will always consider her a very great friend and peer. My thoughts and prayers go out to her other friends and family members. Nadine Grace, you will never be forgotten.
Jim Dunbar says
Cheri, Dan and Levi,
Our prayers go out to you. I am so sorry for your loss. Nadine suffered more than any child should. Jesus will ease her pain and yours. She was such a sweetie, she is greatly missed. God Bless and Thank you Nadine for touching our lives also.
Kent Finemore says
Cheri, Dan & Levi —
Our hearts are with you and we wish you all the best. Hasn’t been such a great year for some of us, I guess. Here’s hoping you can find some peace amid the sadness, and hope maybe we’ll see you soon.
Lisa McCarthy says
Cheri, Dan, & Levi –
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Nadine was a very special little girl whose time with you was too short. May God comfort and hold you during this difficult time.
Earl and Peggy Smith, Cathy and Bob Morris, and Lisa McCarthy and Bob Dallas
Tim Penley says
I’m so sorry for your loss. God Bless.
Liz Flynn says
Cheri, Dan and Levi – I am so sorry for your terrible loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Cups of tea and hugs always available at the Flynn house when you are ready.
Carla Tevis says
Cheri, Dan, Levi,
Sending you love, prayers and healing thoughts. Nadine was so special and so precocious which is what I loved about her. I remember the first time I met her, Dan brought her to the station and she was just a tiny little girl with those big beautiful eyes. Of course we all fell in love with her, how could you not. I think of her in heaven and how much light and love she will bring to others, especially the children she knew that preceded her. There will be many loving open arms to welcome her. I am so glad I knew her, she handled her illness with a grace that left me in awe.
Marissa Zimmerman says
Nadine has truly touched my heart as an individual. She taught everyone to live life to the fullest because you never know what may happen. Her bright and spunky attitude will be greatly missed by me and many others. I am grateful to have known Nadine, and will miss her greatly.
Gruber Family says
Cheri, Dan and Levi,
Nadine was truly an angel here on earth. I pray for peace for your family. May the Lord comfort you and all your family. We will continue to pray for you all.
Kristine Fife says
I will never forget the spring ballet performance that followed Nadine’s first round of cancer treatment. She had only wisps of hair on her head and could not wear a hair piece to match her costume. The costume ladies made special little tear drop shaped hats that we sticky taped right to her bald little head. She looked so darling! Nadine was always smiling at the dance studio and brought cheerfulness with her to every class! She will be missed! Lots of love and to you, Cheri, Dan and Levi. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Love,
Miss Kris
Deziah Gilliam says
We are so sorry for your loss, she sure was a bright eyed young lady, far to wise for her years. We will all say a prayer for her and one for you all as well. Keep her in your hearts and know she is now a beautiful ANGEL flying with you at all times.
The Gilliam Family
Denni Byrd says
That smiley, pretty face will sure be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you. She was a wonderful kiddo. Hold onto the good memories to get you through this unimaginable time.
Ken, Bridget, Kelly, Katie & Bella Moriarty says
We are so sorry for your loss. Sending you our prayers and best wishes for comfort. God Bless.
Erin Fuller Crozier says
This is the most joyful, love-filled, beautiful obituary I have ever read.
I can’t think of Nadine without thinking of that radiant smile and physical contact. She was so loving and used to literally cling to me and other staff and counselors at camp. I remember struggling slightly at times to keep getting work done, while at the same time not wanting that beacon of love to ever leave my side!
One of my favorite memories was at your home, with Nadine sitting in my lap and reading to me. I remember one of you (Cheri or Dan) asking me to sit and let her read to me, as though it was some big favor being asked, and I could not have been more honored. Now to learned that she had come to love reading, it makes me feel all the more special to have been a tiny part of that process for her. I can’t believe she’s gone, but she’ll always live on in my heart, and it’s clear that she’ll live on in many, many others’, too. Although I’m 2,000 miles away, I’ll don bright colors Friday and spread her joy to everyone I can!
robin says
sorry for your loss! 🙁 now she is a angle to watch over all of you!!
Bonnie Logue says
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss..please know that your family has touched mine and I will always remember Nadine as full of life with a huge smile..ready to conquer anything..and with Levi always there with her..Jakobe loves Levi and I hope that we will see each other again..my prayers are with you all.. Bonnie and family
Edee Nehl says
Words can’t express the loss we all feel, the hole left in our hearts. I will always remember the way Nadine would come get me to sit by her in church. I was honored to be part of the family for that short time we would sit together. She was and always will be deeply missed, and genuinely loved by all who knew her. For all the joy that Nadine gave to every person she came into contact with she was truly an angel. God love you in your great sorrow and give you comfort.
Lisa White says
I am soooooo sorry for your loss.
I had only known Nadine for a couple days. But the awesome obituary that I just read, describes not only the beautiful, strong lady that I cared for, but also the very loving family and friends that were always at her side.
Even after she was transferred from Peds down to Oncology, we continued to see how much she was loved. We had many people come to Peds to visit her. 🙂
My prayers are with you.
Julie Morrone says
Oh I was heartbroken when I heard about Nadine. I an the wonderful opportunity to spend a week with her at Big Sky and she was the picture of a bright beautiful and charming little girl. Through all the things I have read it sounds like she has grown into a remarkable young lady and will be truly missed my so many people. I will wear bright colors this entire weekend thinking daily of Nadine and her gorgeous smile. I will keep your family in my prayers during this very difficult time. Julie Morrone
The Beatty Family says
Cheri, Dan and Levi –
Our thoughts and prayers are with you today and in the days to come. We remember Nadine fondly from Taekwondo classes. Her smile and positive attitude will be missed, but will be remembered always. Levi – we are sending our love and hugs to you. Just know that you now have a special angel who will be with you always.
-Brendan, Kim, Colin and Ryan
John D'Orazio says
I will never forget Nadine’s lovely smile and joyous disposition. She was a wonderful person, and I’ll never forget her (or her family). I still have the photo of our “nature art” from camp that we worked on together. I’m so sorry we can’t always beat cancer. – Dr. D (Camp Braveheart)
Michele Herrington says
Rest in peace, sweet girl. Love to you, family.
Timber Green says
I only knew Nadine for a little over a year when I lived in Marysville as a child, I believe we were all around 10 years old. She was one of my closest friends and I remember fondly all the memories we had at her grandparents house playing foosball and eating lots of popcorn. We would play in the mountains and explore the abandoned buildings. In the winter we would go sledding till the streetlights came on. She will never be forgotten.