If heaven has a beauty salon, a well-set bridge table, and a perfectly chilled glass of Chardonnay, then Ursula Maria Theresa Beebe—better known as “Tess”—has already settled right in. Tess, 87, of Yorktown, Virginia, passed away quietly on February 6, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and her own unique style of living.

Born in Germany on June 16, 1937, to Karl Dannenberg and Lisa Behringer, Tess’s adult life became a blend of European elegance and American earthiness. She met her husband, James “Jim” Clayton Beebe, in 1957 while he was stationed in Germany with the US Air Force. Their romance led to a 67- year partnership. After welcoming their daughter, Jo Ann, in 1958, the family relocated to Maryland. Tess worked at a variety of jobs to supplement the GI Bill while Jim attended college.

Longtime residents of Annapolis Maryland, Tess and Jim shared a love of the water. As members of the Podickory Yacht Club they spent some 20 years sailing and cruising in their Morgan 22, “JITEJO.” They won several club racing trophies as a husband/wife sailing team, a feat largely attributable to Tess’s strong competitive spirit. She did not like to lose! They also enjoyed running a trot line to catch those large, delicious Maryland crabs.

In 2000 Tess and Jim moved to Poquoson and later Yorktown to be with their daughter, son-in-law, and four wonderful grandchildren. Tess loved to cook and had became expert at both American and German dishes. She was her family’s personal five-star chef. No one could quite replicate the magic of her meals, no matter how closely they followed her recipes. Her family would often put in special requests for their favorite “MomMom” dishes, knowing she would deliver every time.

She was never without a polished look—her nails perfectly done, her hair fresh from the salon, and her outfit effortlessly stylish. She had an eye for elegance and an appreciation for the finer things in life.

She and Jim were active in the local bridge club, and she loved social gatherings, whether at the Poquoson Yacht Club, the Red Hat Society, or simply with friends and family.

Above all, Tess was devoted to her family. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, happily spoiling them and bending the rules in their favor whenever she could. She would do absolutely anything for them—no request was too big or too small. Her best friend of over 50 years, Jeanette Truscott, was like a sister to her, and their friendship was a source of joy and countless stories.

Tess was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Jo Ann Beebe Hoyt, who passed away in 2012. She is survived by her devoted husband of 67 years, Jim Beebe, and her loving son-in-law, Archie Hoyt. She leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Laurie Harris (Jeff), Jennifer Hoyt (David), Kimberly Hartselle (Mike), and Timothy Hoyt (Taylor), along with her five great-grandchildren: Jackson (9), Madelyn (7), Benjamin (6), Maxwell (3), and Quincy (2 months).

Though Tess has left this world, her signature style, cheerful demeanor, and legendary cooking will live on in the stories, traditions, and hearts of those who loved her. In her honor, put on your best outfit, gather with loved ones, and raise a toast to a life well lived.

Tess’s family and closest friends will celebrate her life in private when the spring flowers bloom.