Mary Beitia-Fox: A Life Remembered by Classmate and Fellow Bengal Tom Neel

In this heartfelt tribute, ISU alumnus Tom Neel remembers the vibrant life, enduring friendship, and lasting impact of Mary Beitia-Fox—a beloved classmate, writer, teacher, and inspiration to many in the Bengal community.

Mary Beitia-Fox was a dear friend and fellow student at ISU from 1984-1988. She remained at ISU for her Master’s degree. While serving as the editor for ISU’s literary Journal at the time known as Ethos, she also taught English 101 Composition and volunteered supporting many student activities.  

Mary had amazing energy—she encouraged and inspired my writing and my career which would carry me forward in life. Her friendship and warmth affected many students and faculty across campus. She had great depth and an unstoppable work ethic. As undergraduate students, we had a wonderful time at ISU with the fantastic professors of the era providing us with intellectual adventure and contributing to the amazing ISU campus life.  

Mary worked as a hostess at Elmer’s and had several positions around town in those years. Mary later became a reporter for the Pocatello Newspaper and also reported for Wyoming local papers. 

During her time at ISU she met and married Ken Fox. Ken and Mary went on to distinguished and devoted careers at Tacoma Community College where they had a wonderful family of three children. Anyone who knew her sustained a severe blow with the knowledge of her recent passing. She was loved and deeply adored by ISU and the wider Pocatello community.  

We never expect someday we will read our closest friends’ obituaries. Mary’s passing reminded me of life’s brevity and wonderful reward. On hearing of her death, I could only think of the joy of knowing her and the privilege of calling someone like her a friend. I think of the terrible grief sustained by her family and friends and everyone she touched.  

Mary’s obituary can be read here.