Beatrice Chandler

Beatrice “Trisha” Chandler, 67, of Beaver Island, formerly of Gaylord, passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, on Beaver Island. She was born on October 20, 1956, in Aarau, Switzerland, the daughter of Eugen and Dora (Stirnemann) Wӓlti and the youngest sister to her brothers Eugen and Urs Wӓlti. 

Trisha grew up in a single family home in Grӓnichen, Switzerland and loved all animals including her dog Astor and their families two Pinschers. When Trisha was young, she competed in gymnastics in Grӓnichen and Wetzikon. She would ultimately go on to obtain a degree with a focus in Travel and Hospitality where she worked for Lufthansa Airlines, Kuoni, and Imholz. While on a vacation in Florida, she met the love of her life, David Chandler. They were wed on September 25th, 1987 in Switzerland and shortly after she moved to the US. 

They raised a family of their own in Gaylord where she worked in sales and catering for Treetops Resort and later became the Director of sales and catering for the Otsego Club. She religiously attended mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Gaylord for many years. She was also an integral part of the Alpenfest parade, including the formation of the Lampion Parade and ‘burning of the boogg’. Being that Gaylord is the sister city to Pontresina, Switzerland, Trisha had organized a meeting with Pontresina authorities to help build the relationship between the two cities. 

She and David retired to Beaver Island where she almost immediately became a pillar of the island. Trisha dedicated her time to the historical society, Holy Cross Catholic Church, and managing rooms at the Harbor View Motel. Trisha had a deep interest in history; that of her own family, as well as the history of Beaver Island and the Great Lakes. She enjoyed researching and sharing her findings with others. She loved to spend time outdoors hiking, going for walks, skiing, and tending to her garden. Trisha was a gifted cook and enjoyed sharing this gift with others by organizing and hosting countless get-togethers over the years. She was able to travel to many parts of the world throughout her life. She enjoyed sharing her stories of her endless adventures over a glass of good wine and good food. In her travels, and through much practice, she was able to speak six languages.

Trisha is survived by her two sons, Severin (Laddy) Chandler of Minneapolis, and Marcell (Amy) Chandler of Grosse Pointe Woods; two step sons, Chris (Kelly) Chandler of Indianapolis, and Jason (Jamie) Gooding of Fenton; two brothers, Eugen (Evelyne) Wälti, and Urs Wälti; and her granddaughter, Riley Chandler.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, David Chandler.

A memorial mass will take place on July 27, 2024 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Gaylord. Visitation will begin at 10:30am up until the memorial mass begins at 11:00am

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St, Mary’s Cathedral, Holy Cross Catholic Church, or the Beaver Island Historical Society.

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com