Beatrice "Bea" Kahan, 77, died Jul 14, at her residence after a long term illness.
Bea was born May 26, 1918 in L'Anse, MI, to Chauncey and Sylvia Leach. She owned and operated K-College of Cosmetology in Kalkaska and branched the business to Traverse City with her daughter, Joanie. Bea was a dedicated member of the democratic party and an honored citizen of Kalkaska.
She was a former vice-chair of the National Trout Festival, and while president of the Kalkaska Chamber of Commerce, she was able to bring the International Dog Races to Kalkaska. As a member of the Trout Memorial Board she helped to get a grant to restore the trout and the symbols that surround it. Bea also spearheaded the project for a grant for sewers in Kalkaska while a member of the Kalkaska Village Council in the late fifties. She was elected to the advisory board of the Probate Court of Grand Traverse County, involving youth and the elderly.
She was a Zonta Club member and was awarded a special tribute from the Michigan Legislature and was named Kalkaska Citizen of the Year. In 1983 Bea was honored by the Zonta Club as one of the top ten women of the year for the entire state of Michigan, a special recognition given by the first lady, Nancy Reagan. She served on the cosmetology board for the State of Michigan under Gov. G. Mennen Williams and was again appointed for the position by Governor James Blanchard.
Bea is survived by two children, Al Hendrickson of Coral Springs, FL and Joanie Neiswonder of Torch River, MI. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Sherri, Ed, Terri, and Al Jr, and a great grandchild Nicholis.
Family and friends will be notified for a memorial service at a later date. The family thanks the Munson Hospice team for helping us through her illness with such professionalism and love.
Memorials may be made to Grand Traverse Area Hospice, 1105 6thSt, Traverse City, MI 49684-2386.
