Beth (Albenesius) Mullen

Beth Albenesius Mullen, 62, of Charleston, SC, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, February 7, 2015 after a two-year battle with lung cancer. She was born on Sunday, November 16, 1952, in Charleston, SC, to the late Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Erickson Albenesius and the late Theodore Albenesius. Beth attended Blessed Sacrament, Bishop England, and Winthrop College. As one of seven children, she enjoyed a lively childhood in their West Ashley neighborhood and at St. Andrews playground. Family vacations and moments spent with lifelong, childhood friends are cherished by those who knew Beth then and show others the memorable times growing up in Charleston. Beth met her high school sweetheart shortly before being crowned Miss Bishop England in 1970 and participated in many activities with a special emphasis on basketball. After working at the General Agency in Charleston, Beth and family moved to Savannah where she enjoyed coaching junior gymnastics at the YMCA. After returning to Charleston, Beth was employed for 18 years as the After-School Director of Blessed Sacrament School. She was a charter member of the “Bunko Babes” and for many years, active in St. Andrews’ Tennis. Beth enjoyed spending her weekends and summers boating, on Folly Beach and being with family and friends at Ledenwah Ranch on Wadmalaw Island. She will be remembered for her interesting choice of phrases, unfiltered sense of humor, committed loyalty, strong friendships, but most importantly, her love for family and friends. Along with her parents, Beth was preceded in death by her brother, Stephen Albenesius, and sister-in-law, Pam Mullen. She is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Bill Mullen; two daughters: Caroline Flowers and Maggie Burke (Derek); son, Will Mullen (Kim Whitlock); one grandson, Caleb Flowers; one granddaughter, Claire Elizabeth Flowers; three brothers: Theodore “Teddy” Albenesius (Karen); Richard Albenesius (Mary); Michael Albenesius (Sandie); two sisters: Joanie Gerken (Gerry) and Trisha Strong (Carl) all of Charleston, SC; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 10, 2015, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, with the rosary at 5:00pm, at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home in the West Ashley Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 5 St. Teresa Drive, Charleston, SC 29407, on Wednesday, February 11, 2015, at 12:00pm, with Father Joseph Romanoski officiating. Burial will follow in the Holy Cross Cemetery. The family would like to thank everyone at the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center and 3 West for the wonderful care provided, Gentiva Hospice of Charleston, and the truly caring and compassionate caregivers during her final months. Memorial contributions may be made to American Lung Association (www.lung.org). Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.mcalister-smith.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to McALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL HOME WEST ASHLEY CHAPEL, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414, 843-722-8371.

Visitation:
Tuesday, February 10, 2015