Beeman, Phyllis “Jill” (Cleaveland)

Phyllis “Jill” (Cleaveland) Beeman, daughter of Frank and Edna (Darby) Cleaveland, has passed away. Jill was born at Hartford Hospital. It was the horse-drawn milk wagon that brought her first home to East Hartland as the roads "up the mountain" were too muddy for motor vehicles to pass. She grew up on the family dairy farm with her two older sisters Connie and Peggy. So sparse was the traffic on the road then, summer evenings included porch sitting to watch for a passing car. Later when asked by those waxing nostalgia for the "simpler days", Jill would make sure it was known that work, from sunup to sunset, was the theme of each and every day on the farm. After completing the Gilbert School, Jill moved to the city of Winsted, CT. There she was introduced to Elmer (Al) Beeman, her best friend Betsy's brother. Jill wed the young serviceman at age twenty and together they proceeded to raise their family on the Cleaveland's Hill Top Farm. Over the decades the farm transitioned from dairy barn, machine shop as well as cross country ski area. Jill worked as an assembler in factories, a school bus (using her own station wagon) driver, owned and operated the Cleaveland Real Estate agency and was a personal care attendant for the McClean Home Simsbury. Phyllis earned certification as a Therapeutic Touch Practitioner during the practice 's pioneering days. Jill volunteered for the Red Cross, 4-H Leadership and is well-remembered for her role as a Hartland Cub Scout Leader. Jill was a lifetime congregant of the 1st Congregational Church of Hartland serving as a member of the chorus, a deacon and Sunday School Teacher. Jill spent her later years living as a resident of the Virginia Connolly Assisted Living in Simsbury. Her strength of spirit was reflected in her ability to adjust to her new environment. For a while she was the only resident with a red convertible, her trademark. She made many meaningful relationships with people of diverse ages and backgrounds there. Jill contributed greatly to those around her in small gestures and large offerings. She is considered Mother to many. She was a true nurturer and advocate. Jill encouraged the ones she loved to grow their individual selves, reminding them that they were "just perfect.' During her long life, Jill met the inherent and unique challenges while remaining open to many joys. Jill will be remembered as being a truly beautiful person inside and out. Her legacy of kindness will live on in those she left behind. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, and husband of 45 years, as well as by daughter Lorraine, son William (Michael), and granddaughter Rebecca. She leaves her sons Gary (Pat), Robert (Starr) and daughter Colleen, grandchildren: Morgan, Jessica, Evan, Brooke, Alasandra, Cayle, and Lillian. Great grandchildren: Ethan, Abbie, Owen, Penelope, Kane and Tatum. She was loved by all of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as those she "adopted" throughout her lifetime, especially Mary Root. A memorial service for Phyllis (Jill) Cleaveland Beeman will be held on what would have been Jill's 96th Birthday, March 23, 2024, at 10AM at the 1st Congregational Church of East Hartland, 5 Hartland Blvd 2, East Hartland, CT 06027. Famiy will receive attendees following the service. Carmon Funeral Home of Granby has care of the arrangements. For condolences, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.