IN MEMORIAM

Beatrice Loftus, 80, Laurens;

Teacher, School Board Member

MOUNT VISION – Beatrice Bensink Loftus, 80, a mujsic teacher for more than a half-century and longtime member of the Laurens Central school board, passed away suddenly on No. 30, 2016, at Bassett Hospital.

She was born Aug. 17, 1936, in Corry, Pa., the daughter of George and Lucille (Carroll) Bensink.

Bea graduated in 1960 from Mansfield State Teachers College, spending the next 50-plus years sharing her talents as a music teacher with hundreds of children in the Endicott, Jamestown, Cortland, Oneonta, Milford, Morris and Laurens school districts.

She directed many musicals and concerts throughout her tenure, and continued to teach private vocal and piano students.

Bea was a devout Christian and shared her musical talents in congregations wherever she lived, most recently as music director and council member at the Elm Park United Methodist Church in Oneonta.

And she spent many summers as a “bartender” at the Fly Creek Cider Mill.

Of Bea’s many passions, engaging people – listening, learning and sharing – with anyone, anytime, anyplace

was a personal hallmark. She always came away with new friends and perspectives.

Bea loved art in all its many mediums, which she collected on travels through the U.S. and Europe. She  loved to engage an artist and learn their story before she bought their wares.

Bea’s greatest passion, however, as she shared grandson Jonah’s newest interests or collections, granddaughter Ginger’s latest gymnastic feat, and updates on her daughters – and Paddy, her

beloved cockatiel.

She is survived by survived by her daughters and their families – Kindra, Jesse, Jordyn, Loryne and Mya Knapp of West Laurens; Kellisue, Jeffrey, Jonah and Ginger Friedman of North Hampton, N.H., and Kim Loftus and Tim Dobler of Mount Vision; her brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Jenny Bensink and their family; her former husband and dear friend, William Loftus and his wife, Rene, of Fredonia.

Calling hours will be 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4, at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.

The funeral will be at noon Monday, Dec. 5, at Elm Park United Methodist, 401 Chestnut St., with the Rev. Donna Martin officiating.

Interment will follow at the Mount Vision Cemetery.

A celebration of Bea’s life will be held at Dobler’s Brewery & Tavern, Mount Vision, will follow.  All are welcome.

Memorial donations may be made to the Beatrice Loftus Scholarship Fund, c/o Bank of Cooperstown, 34 Main Street, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lhpfuneralhome.com