Beatrice Durham Paterson

Mystic - Beatrice Durham Paterson, resident of Mystic Healthcare Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, entered Eternal Rest Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. Born at home in Groton, July 12, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Paterson and Maud (Dyer) Paterson; first-generation arrivals from the United Kingdom.

She was the youngest of her three siblings, Marguerite (Hamre) Paterson, Betty (Morris) Paterson, and Thomas Paterson who predeceased her.

Beatrice was a gifted vocalist, musician and artist, a dedicated mother, grandmother and great-grandmother; a caring friend. She grew up in Groton during the Great Depression and World War II. She survived the 1938 hurricane. She attended Groton elementary schools and graduated with the Robert E. Fitch High School Class of 1948. She enjoyed the company of cocker spaniels in her youth when her Dad oversaw their breeding. Among her other contributions, Beatrice played the piano as an active member of the Ser-Hos Club of the YMCA in New London, a club formed in 1949 to host coffee hours, dances and entertainment for active-duty servicemen stationed locally. She received a Red Cross Certificate for home nursing.

Beatrice was a promising singer, but motherhood proved to be a greater calling for her, staying at home to raise four rambunctious children.

Beatrice worked as a camp counselor at Salem's Gardner Lake. She honed her skills sketching portraits of her friends and classmates. She took courses at New London Business school. In the '50s she was employed at Electric Boat as a Drafter with the Marine Draftsmen's Association. She and a girlfriend drove to Florida for a vacation which received mention in the MDA Soundings. She took part in the design of the USS Nautilus, a source of great pride for her. In recognition for her contributions to the project, she was awarded the Nautilus Medal.

Beatrice attended Mitchell College in New London; attended Lyme Academy of Fine Arts under scholarship, studying with the renowned artist Robert Brackman. Beatrice was proficient in a variety of media including charcoal, pencil, oil color, sketched ink and watercolor. She won varied awards for her works in both visual media and poetry. She loved animals and was a staunch advocate for their welfare. Her feathered and furry friends included Tico, her parakeet, her dog Heidee and her cats Sheba and Daisy. She enjoyed baking, riding her bike, flowers, sewing, ice skating, playing the piano, and laughing to vintage television comedy series. Beatrice also lent her fine voice to the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra Chorus, and played the organ for church services.

Beatrice lived for a while in Watervliet, Mich. and the Houston, Texas Metro Area to reside with her daughter, Elizabeth and her children.

In her later years, she enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, offering them counsel and encouragement. She volunteered for local activities. She was predeceased by her grandson, Jason Straub, in 2015. She had a firm belief in miracles and recognized their presence.

She is survived by her son, Eric Straub (Johanna) of Niantic; daughters, Elizabeth Murphy of Waterford and Donna Brochu (Michael) of Lisbon; and son Brian Straub (Kate) of Mystic. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Noah, Ian, Carly; John, Sarah; Ryan, Tina and Rachael. Also, nephews, nieces and great-grandchildren.

The family would like to recognize Pequot Village in Groton for Beatrice's residency during her later years; also, to the Mystic Rehab Center for the attention she received during her stay. Thanks are also extended to Beacon Hospice.

Calling hours are 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 1, 2025, followed by a funeral service at Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames Street, Groton. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice. Please visit www.byles.com to sign the guest book or share a memory with the family.