Irene R. Bea

Mrs. Irene R. Bea of New Castle, DE passed away on Friday, April 24, 2015 after living a long and beautiful life.

Mom was born and raised in the Browntown section of Wilmington and upon marriage became a lifelong resident of the New Castle area. She attended St. Hedwig Elementary School and Church, and graduated from Wilmington High School and would go on to work for the Delaware Department of Motor Vehicle, Dravo Corporation, and the Delaware Blue Cross and Blue Shield, before settling down to raise her family. Always stressing the importance of a good education, with her children, mom insisted on reading the newspaper daily, watching the TV news and major event coverages, and learning to use the computer to surf the internet, send emails and shop. She loved her computer games, teaching new words to her pet cockatiels Goldie and Sunny, and spending Sundays with her family catching up on all of the happenings in our lives each week.

Mom was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Joseph W. Bea, Sr. who died in 1996; her parents Anthony and Catherine Rozanski; brothers, Edward Sadowski, Henry Rozanski and Anthony Rozanski; sister, Theresa Rozanski.

She will be dearly missed by her children, Joseph W. Bea, Jr. (Ursula) of Yorklyn, DE and his son, Steven of Elkton, MD; David W. Bea of Newark, DE; Richard M. Bea of Wilmington, DE; and Michele B. Coviello (Steve) of Hockessin, DE and their daughter, Nicole; and several nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to give gracious thanks to our new friends at Compassionate Care Hospice at St. Francis Hospital for the wonderful and gentle gifted care given to mom these last few days, as well as to Dr. David Krasner for his many years of special care and friendship to mom.

Friends and family are cordially invited to attend a Mass of the Resurrection at St. Hedwig Roman Catholic Church, Linden and South Harrison Streets, Wilmington, DE on Wednesday, April 29th at 11am, where a visitation will be held from 10am until the time of the Mass. Interment will be private.

Our family is most grateful for all of the kind wishes received and kindly ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Delaware Humane Society, 701 A Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 or to a charity of your choice.