Peabody: Beatrice E. (Gooley) Sorell, of Peabody, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, May 31, 2006. She was 84 years of age and was the wife of the late Royal A. Sorell, Sr. with whom she had shared 52 years of marriage.
Born and raised in Mechanicville, NY, she was the daughter of the late Ernest P. and Beatrice (Hyatt) Gooley. A devout Catholic, she was baptized, confirmed and married as well as had all her children christened in St. Paul Church in Mechanicville.
A teacher for most of her life, she first taught at the college level. As she advanced in years, she enjoyed the company of younger students and in her early seventies was teaching pre-schoolers. She held the office of president for several terms in the Mehcanicville Public School Parent Teachers Assoc. She also was a founding member of the Brownies in Mechanicville and was president of the Women’s Benevolent Association for several terms.
Beatrice, was a woman of the hat, gloves and afternoon tea era. She enjoyed theater, golf, gardening, teaching and spending time with children.
Early in the 1960’s she and her family moved to Peabody because of her husband’s transfer for General Electric.
She is survived by 3 sons: Richard Royal Sorell, Edwin A. Sorell, Sr., Royal A. Sorell, Jr. and his wife Patricia, a daughter: Sharon R. Sorell-Cooper, 4 grandchildren: Guy Cooper, Wendy Cooper, Edwin A. Sorell, Jr. and his wife Caroline, and Mathew Sorell. Mrs. Sorell is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren all of Massachusetts. 2 brothers: Gordon & Robert Gooley, a sister: Joan Gooley-Allen, 3 sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews, all of New York. She was predeceased by a son Leonard Keith Sorell.
Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Northshore, 10 Elm St., Danvers, MA 01923. For guest book, please visit www.levesquefunerals.com.