PJ Beaufait
July 15, 1971 – August 4, 2022
PJ Lanzinger Beaufait, 52, unexpectedly passed away on August 4. 2022. She was the wife of Steve Beaufait and mother to Allison Grace, Katelyn Beverly, Donald Russell, and Deborah Jean Beaufait.
She was born in Toledo, Ohio on July 15, 1970 to William and Susan Lanzinger and together she would share her life there with her siblings, Lori (Steve) Haugh, Pamela (Chris) Mendoza and William (Jill Flagg) Lanzinger. PJ was truly loved by her entire family.
PJ was preceded in death by her grandparents: Richard and Betty Daso, Cliff and Eunice Lanzinger, an aunt, Debbie Daso, and a niece, Jessica.
Growing up in Toledo, Ohio, she was a tremendous athlete. In grade school she played baseball on a boy’s baseball team and went on to play volleyball and softball for her high school, St. Ursula Academy. She continued to stay active and participated in athletics throughout her life.
PJ possessed a talent in grasping children’s attention and creatively teaching her siblings and children for whom she babysat. Eventually she would put herself through the University of Toledo College of Education program while working full time. She became a grade schoolteacher at Lagrange Grade School and eventually joined her mother on the staff at Dundee Community Schools where she was an exemplary second grade teacher. While teaching, she worked hard to earn her master’s degree in education.
PJ loved many things in life. However, her true devotion was her four children and husband. After retirement she poured herself into her kids and embraced being a full-time mom. PJ loved watching her kids play sports and even helped coach when she could. She always had a garden and enjoyed canning the vegetables she grew. One of her favorite places to be was on Lake Erie on her father’s boat, “the Willever”. However, no matter where she was, she enjoyed mostly being with her family. She also enjoyed being with the Beaufait’s on their trips to Lewiston. Even though she lived in Michigan, she was an avid Ohio State fan. She sure loved her Buckeyes!
PJ was not only a great aunt but was able to mentor each niece and nephew with a lesson. She never complained or felt sorry for herself due to her disability. PJ always found a silver lining in every challenge she faced. She was so grateful for all the help she received and made special memories with those who helped her. PJ was never known to say an ill word about anyone and would give the shirt off her back for anyone in need.
PJ’s challenges may have robbed her of her time here on earth and her independence, but it could not take away her beautiful personality, positive attitude, and her love for the Lord.
Family and friends may visit on Thursday, August 11, 2022 at Rupp Funeral Home from 1 until 8 pm. A service in her honor will take place on Friday, August 12, 2022 at Rupp at 11 am with Deacon Mike Hammond officiating. On Saturday, August 13, 2022, the family will be having a celebration of life at PJ’s home located at 16018 Milwaukee Rd. in Dundee at 4 pm. Please wear something purple in her honor.
Donations in honor of PJ are requested to be sent to the pawswithacause.org for seizure response dogs or the Epilepsy Foundation @ epilepsy.com.
Online words of comfort can be made to the family through www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com.