Beatrice Reynolds

QUEENSBURY- Our sweet, loving mother, Beatrice (Ford) Reynolds, passed away early March 18, 2018, at the age of 96 and a half, surrounded by her loving family at her home.

Bea was born in Newberry, Florida at her grandmother’s farm. She was the eldest child of Charles and Lillian (Cobb) Ford. The family later moved to Lakeland, Florida, where Bea’s two siblings, Inez and Charles, were born.

Bea was a graduate of Lakeland High School and of the Hillman School of Nursing in Birmingham, Alabama, where she received her degree as a registered nurse.

Following graduation, she returned to Lakeland, where she worked as a nurse in an OBGYN office and also did private duty nursing,

Bea met her future husband, Edward Reynolds, who was stationed at Lakeland Air Force Base as a Meteorologist. Bea and Ed were married at The First Baptist Church of Lakeland on November 14, 1944. They moved to Hudson Falls, where Ed accepted a position teaching high school math, chemistry and physics, and later became the principal of Hudson Falls High School. During this time, Bea stayed home with her girls, and later, was a teacher aide at BOCES.

During their retirement, Bea and Ed were able to winter in St. Petersburg, Florida, visiting family and spending time with friends. When it came time to travel north, the beloved camp on Lake George became the center of family gatherings. Many memories were made at camp with family and friends alike. Bea especially loved when the grandchildren were around.

Bea and Ed were members of the Merry Mohicans Square and Round Dance Club for several years, where they made new friends. They enjoyed playing bridge as a couple. Before and after Ed passed, Bea also played bridge with her girlfriends, who would pick her up to assure themselves of her company. Bea loved having the bridge girls for a yearly summer brunch at the lake.

Bea loved her word search books, knitting, crocheting and reading. Mom/Gree-Gree was always interested and supportive of her girls and grandchildren- always wanting to hear what was new or ”going on”.

In addition to her parents and her husband, who passed away in 2005, after almost 61 years of marriage, Bea was predeceased by her granddaughter, Lauren Hawkes; her brother, Charles Ford; and her sister, Inez Newsome.

Survivors include her four daughters, Barb Keyworth (John), Cindy Lee (Rich), Janet Mahoney (Ray), Nancy (Hawkes) Hanson (Joe); eight grandchildren, Josh Keyworth (Melissa), Andrea and Jared Lee (Elena), Shane, Kaity and Maureen Mahoney, Kelsi and Adam Hawkes; two great granddaughters, Ellie Keyworth and Emily Burns; and one great grandson, Henry Lee.

Many heartfelt thanks to Nancy Tracy who took such good care of Mom, and to Annie, Mom’s HCR nurse, who treated Mom with dignity and compassion- always asking Mom what she needed or wanted; Charlene and Tom, Mom’s neighbors- who treated her with such kindness and always looked out for her; and to Monty and Dodi Robinson, who gave unwavering compassionate and spiritual support to Mom and to us- and most of all, peace.

Our Mom was the sweetest, most compassionate and loving Mom. Her deep Christian faith and values were instilled in her girls and grandchildren. She maintained her sense of humor and on her most difficult days, there was never a complaint. She would tell us “it could be worse.” We are honored and proud to call her Mom and we will miss her.

Friends may call from 3-4 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, 2018, followed by a service beginning at 4 p.m. at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street, Hudson Falls with The Rev. Monty Robinson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the United Methodist Church of Hudson Falls, 227 Main Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839, or to a charity of your choice.

Burial will be private in the spring at Pine View Cemetery.

Bea’s family would like to thank their mom’s hairdresser, Joyce Latteral, who faithfully came every week to keep mom beautiful.

Online condolences may be left by visiting carletonfuneralhome.net.