Amy
Beattie, a dedicated educator and pioneer in online learning, passed
away peacefully on June 8, 2024, after a 12-month battle with
pancreatic cancer. Her remarkable career spanned four decades,
leaving an indelible mark on the institutions, students and people
she served.
Born
in Granville, N.Y., in 1962 to Alberta “Corky” and Andrew Labas,
Amy graduated as the salutatorian from Granville High School in 1980.
She pursued her passion for education at the University of Vermont,
earning a bachelor of arts in English in 1984, followed by an MBA in
1988. Amy then pursued additional coursework in education from 1991
to 1995.
Amy’s
passion for teaching ignited early in her career at Saint Michael’s
College, where she served as a computer support specialist from 1988
to 1991. Her expertise and dedication soon expanded to include roles
within the Vermont State Colleges System and Champlain College, where
she taught courses in management and marketing for more than 35
years, enriching the minds of countless students.
Her
commitment to education extended beyond the classroom, and she
influenced the development of online learning programs as the
coordinator of online learning for the Vermont State Colleges System
from 2007 until her passing.
Amy’s
tenure in higher education was marked not only by her academic
contributions but also by her unwavering support for students and
colleagues. Known for her kindness, intellect and innovative spirit,
Amy leaves behind a legacy that resonates through generations of
instructors and learners.
In
addition to her work in academia, Amy was a distribution assistant
with the American Red Cross of Northern New England, where she spent
more than 42 years assisting and providing services to residents in
Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
Amy
was devoted to spending time with family and friends, enjoying nature
and literature, passions she instilled in her personal and
professional life. She became active on X as @CatFoodBreath, where
she engaged with over 71,000 followers, raising tens of thousands of
dollars and increasing awareness for the Humane Society of Chittenden
County’s animal rescue program.
Amy
is survived by her loving husband of 35 years, Stephen Beattie;
brother-in-law, Jim Fitzgerald; sister-in-law, Susan Fitzgerald;
niece, Alycia Holowchak; nephew, Corey Fitzgerald; and many cousins.
She will be deeply missed by her loving friends, colleagues and
students who had the privilege of knowing her.
Several
memorial events will be held in Vermont and New York throughout 2024
to celebrate Amy’s life and accomplishments. In lieu of flowers,
donations may be made in Amy’s memory to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, the American Red Cross of Northern New England or the Humane Society of Chittenden County.
Amy’s
contributions to education and her community will forever be
remembered and cherished.
Rest
in peace, Amy Beattie. Your legacy of love, learning and service will
continue to inspire us all.
This article appears in Jun 12-18, 2024.
I had the great pleasure and honor of working with Amy for decades. Amy was a force of nature and a genuine person who was engaged and a support and motivator and voice of reason to so many of us. We shared cat photos as a distraction over the past year. I already miss her, and will be holding our furbabies close in her memory and in my real sorrow at her passing.
Amy was a treasure. Her eyes twinkles were powered by the love in her soul. May we all
learn from her example.
Amy was an excellent colleague. Her help and patience were unmatched. She will be greatly missed at Vermont State University. My condolences to her family and friends. Sincerely, David J. Plazek
Amy was amazing as a colleague and support person to me over the past decade at Johnson, NVU, and Vermont State University. She was exceptionally responsive and helpful, often approaching me with a sense of humor and caring friendship. I was surprised to learn how quickly things progressed and saddened to hear of her passing, but hope that she is in a good place and resting in peace.
My condolences to Amy’s family and close friends, and I find honor and gratitude to have worked with her.
Sincerely,
Brad Moskowitz
My sweet Cousin Amy, I am trying to stay with all our positive times at Summit Lake right down to Avon Flea Market we went to in my end of state, I can even see the nice picnic basket you found, you were so delighted, and the nice day and boat ride at Cayuga Lake, much catching up was done that day. I also so enjoyed our wonderful husband Steve took your Mother and I on to Stowe and wonderful lunch at Trapps. I was so very grateful you and your wonderful husband attended my Wedding to John, just shy of 7 years ago. I am grateful for all our calls and texts. You were so special to me in every way,
always in my heart. Steve, you are in my heart, thoughts and prayers daily, keep me in your loop as you can.
May you rest in peace My Beautiful Cousin, til we meet again.
Your loving cousin,
Jo McEachron Terwilliger Vogel