Lawrence, MA – After many years of good health, during which she enjoyed life and her family, Beatrice H. Beatrice H.died peacefully at Merrimack Valley Hospice House after a short, unexpected illness on Wednesday, June 12, 2013.
Bea was born in Lowell in 1921. Her mother died when she was two years old. Bea was raised by her paternal aunt Rose in Lawrence, MA. She attended St. Rita’s Grammar School and St. Mary’s High School.
Bea worked in the Pacific Mills. She married Joseph Brear in 1946 and had two sons, Joseph Jr. and Arthur. When her sons were older, Bea worked for St. Monica’s Grammar School and then Almy’s Department Store in Methuen. She retired from Almy’s in 1982 and enjoyed a long, healthy retirement. Her husband of 47 years, Joseph Sr., passed away in 1993.
Bea was a great homemaker and an excellent cook and baker. She was also very good with her hands. She sewed, crocheted, knitted, braided rugs and was an avid gardener. She enjoyed a close circle of friends with whom she would play cards. She belonged to the Rainbow Club through St. Theresa’s Church. She also enjoyed line dancing at the Methuen Senior Center. She especially enjoyed day trips to Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. She always looked her best and enjoyed many social gatherings with family and friends. Bea last resided at Mary Immaculate Assisted Living Facility in Lawrence where she made new friends, especially her daughter-in-law Joyce’s sister, Janice Rossi.
Bea is survived by her two sons, Joseph Brear Jr. and his wife Joyce and Arthur Brear and his wife, Carol, all of Methuen. She is survived by three grandchildren, Arthur J. Brear Jr. of Methuen, Allison Brear-Farrell and husband Michael Farrell of North Andover, MA and Andrea Brear and husband Joshua Sweeney of Dedham, MA. She is also survived by three adoring great-grandchildren, Alyssa Callahan, Ryan Farrell and Julia Farrell. Bea also leaves her sister, Doris Dion, and her sister’s many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Bea’s family would like to extend their thanks to everyone who cared for her in her final days at the Merrimack Valley Hospice House in Haverhill, MA.
Family and friends will honor and celebrate Beatrice’s life by gathering for visiting hours in the KENNETH H. POLLARD FUNERAL HOME, 233 Lawrence St., Methuen on Sunday from 1 - 4 PM. At the request of the family, funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Marguerite’s House, 189 Maple Street, Lawrence, MA 01841.