Beatrice "Bea" Rose Harkins, 103, passed away on November 18, 2022 in Warrenton, VA. Born on September 26, 1919 in Newark, NJ, she resided there until moving to Scotch Plains in 1949 with her beloved husband Daniel. While living in Scotch Plains for over fifty years, she was a member of St. Bartholomew Church and the Rosary Society and held the position of Assistant Branch Manager for United Jersey Bank for over twenty years before retiring in 1990. In 2002, Beatrice moved to Belle Mead, NJ to be closer to her family. In 2020 she relocated to Virginia with her daughter and son-in-law.
Beatrice was predeceased by her husband Daniel in 1970 and her mother Ida Kilkenny in 1986. She is survived by her daughter Jeralyn and husband Russell of Haymarket, VA, as well as three devoted grandchildren Erin (David) of Sherman Oaks, CA, Courtney (Peter) of Haymarket, VA, and Brett (Rachel) of Pittsburgh, PA. She was blessed to have welcomed her six treasured great-grandchildren, Carly, Avery, Hunter, Henry, Addison, and Max.
She is also survived by her niece Eileen Ryan and nephew David Harkins.
Throughout the years she was known as "Aunt Bea" to many families, all whose lives are richer for having her as an honorary part of theirs.
Beatrice was a devoted mother and grandmother, whose family and friends were her deepest source of pride. During her many years she loved going to the track to watch horse racing, having long conversations on the phone with friends, traveling with her family, and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Relatives and friends may call on Monday November 21, 2022 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Gray Funeral Home, 318 E. Broad St in Westfield, NJ. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday November 22, 2022 at 10 am at St. Bartholomew Church, 2032 Westfield Ave in Scotch Plains. Interment will follow at St. Gertrude's Cemetery, 53 Inman Ave in Colonia. Please go to: www.grayfuneralhomes.com to offer on-line condolences.
Memorial contributions in Beatrice's memory can be made to:
St. Jude Children's Hospital
https://www.stjude.org/donate
Alzheimer's Society
https://alz.org