Beatriz Margarita Lande

Beatriz M. Lande, age 86, of Northville, formerly of Southfield, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025. She was born Beatriz Margarita Gerlach de Benedictis on September 22, 1939, in Rosario, Argentina, the beloved daughter of Aristobulo P. Gerlach Gardella and Fulvia Amalia Concepcion de Benedictis Faresin.

She graduated from Universidad Nacional de Rosario in December of 1958 where she earned her teaching degree. While in Argentina Beatriz studied painting with Eugenio Fornells and Juan Grela. When she was at university, Beatriz met the love of her life, Mauricio Alberto Lande. They were married on June 24, 1965, and shared 55 years of deep devotion to one another and to their many shared passions, remaining inseparable until his passing in 2020. In 1968, they left Argentina to begin a new chapter in the United States, living in Connecticut and New York before settling in Southfield, Michigan, where they made their home beginning in 1975.

Beatriz came to the United States with a deep passion for advocacy and service. While working as a social worker, she developed Hermanas Juntas, “Sisters Together”, a mentorship program that connected volunteers with vital resources to support young mothers and help prevent their children from entering the system. She had the heart of a warrior and never hesitated to stand against injustice. During her years in Southfield, Beatriz continued to pursue her education, earning her master’s degree in social work from Wayne State University. During her long career, she worked to socially reintegrate those released from the justice system as a probation and parole officer for the State of Michigan. This is yet another meaningful way she dedicated herself to helping others.

She loved to travel and explored many regions around the world, including numerous countries within Asia, Europe, Middle East, and South America. Beatriz especially cherished visiting Venice, Italy with her husband, where they delighted in the city’s culture, museums, art, and Murano glass. Both she and Mauricio were longtime supporters of the WSU Theatre and the local arts community. During her travels, she collected unique jewelry from around the world and proudly wore each piece as a reminder of the places she loved.

Beatriz was also a gifted painter who created serene landscapes and detailed animal portraits using acrylics. An avid reader, she stayed remarkably tech savvy and always enjoyed playing the newest computer games. A true Argentinian at heart, she loved gathering family and friends to share stories, traditions, and culture. Hosting dinner parties and preparing traditional dishes from her home country, the countries of her friends she met along the way, and the countries she visited brought her immense joy. And she was joyful, Beatriz had a wonderful laugh and a playful, silly spirit that brightened every room she entered. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Beatriz is survived by her children, Guillermo A. Lande and Viviana F. Lande; her sister Graciela (John) Hunt; her granddaughters, Sofia B. Urban and Claire D. Urban; her nieces, Deborah Hunt, Vivien Hunt, Susan Hunt, Sophia (Stephen) Cowx; and her nephew John Paul “J.P.” Hunt. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

A celebration of Beatriz’s life will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Highland Lakes Clubhouse, 20301 Silver Spring Drive, Northville. Friends and family are invited to come to share stories, laughter, and of course, empanadas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the ACLU, 125 Broad Street, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10004.