IN MEMORIAM: Beatrice M. Griffith, 92;
Hartwick High Queen; Lifelong Volunteer
HARTWICK – Beatrice M. Griffith, Queen of her Hartwick High School class and a lifelong community volunteer, passed away Friday morning, Oct. 9, 2020, at Cooperstown Center for Rehabilitation & Nursing. She was 92.
Born in Hartwick on July 5, 1928, Bea was a daughter of Fred I. Gill, Sr. and Myrtle S. Pickens Gill.
She attended school in Hartwick and graduated from Hartwick High School. Bea truly enjoyed living in and volunteering for many events in the Hartwick community, including helping with cookouts at the Vets Club. She also worked for many years caring for elderly individuals in their homes in the Hartwick area, as well as babysitting for area children.
She married Stanley Dewitt Griffith on July 5, 1948, in Hartwick, and enjoyed 40 years of marriage until his passing on June 17, 1989.
Bea is survived by her two sons, William S. Griffith of Oneonta, and Wayne J. Griffith and wife, Randi, of Hartwick; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a brother, Fred I. Gill, Jr. and wife, Eileen, of North Carolina; a sister, Barbara Bard of Oneonta; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Bea was predeceased by a daughter, Nancy A. Suhocki, who died March 19, 2018, and a grandson, Wayne Griffith, who died in 1975.
A graveside service will be offered at 11 a.m. Thursday, October 15, 2020, in the Hartwick Cemetery, with the Rev. Joseph Perdue, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Cooperstown officiating. Due to the current pandemic, it is respectfully requested that all attending please wear a face covering or mask and to observe proper physical distancing.
Memorial donations may be made to the Hartwick Fire Department Co. No. 1, PO Box 86, Hartwick, NY 13348.
Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
Aunt Bea and I enjoyed many hours of tea and Bible study together over the years. She was a sweet, kind soul. I loved her stories of when she was a little girl in Hartwick when life was simpler and her adventures taking care of other people’s children.
I am sad not to be able to attend her service on Thursday, but have a prior commitment. I will be there in spirit….
I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Griffith’s passing. I spent many hours playing at her house with Nancy and her brothers.There are so many fond memories of her.My condolences to the family. Respectfully, Niles ( Punky) Bennett