Beatrice Parnes

Obituary: Beatrice F. Parnes

Bea Parnes, beloved Daughter, Sister, Wife, Aunt, Mother, Nana, educator, adventurer, and Mama Bear passed on August 14, 2024, with her daughter by her side. She reached the rich age of 102 and we think she chose now, to avoid all the run-up nonsense to the 2024 election!

Born on May 16, 1922, in Pittsburgh, PA, to Ida and Julius Frommer, Bea lived a life full of purpose, passion, and perseverance. Throughout her remarkable 102 years, Bea made a lasting impact on everyone she met.

A true pioneer in education, Bea was a Lifetime Trustee of the Creative Education Foundation in Buffalo, NY, alongside her late husband, Sidney J. Parnes. Together they traveled the world and championed the importance of creative thinking in education, leaving an indelible mark on the field, nationally and internationally.

Bea's journey was one of continual growth and discovery. In her 50s, she earned her Master's degree in Special Education, demonstrating her lifelong commitment to learning, and her desire to make a change in how developmentally delayed individuals were treated and educated. She also co-authored Parenting Playfully, Dancing the Developmental Ladder with Tom Potter, and SOS, Success Oriented Instruction for Special Education with Nancy Murto.

In her 60s, she learned to swim, embracing new challenges with the same enthusiasm that characterized her life. Bea's adventurous spirit knew no bounds, and she continued to travel the world well into her 90s, exploring new cultures and sharing her wisdom with others. At 93 years old, she travelled solo to Chihuly Glass Blowing in Seattle to learn how to blow glass, and the next year took a cruise down the Columbia River. Her daughter, and granddaughter Aimee accompanied her on a cruise to Cuba in 2017.

Bea was predeceased by her sisters, Eleanor and Frances, her husband, Sidney J. Parnes, and her son, Robert Parnes. She is survived by her loving daughter, Sue Parnes of San Diego, CA, her son-in-law, Bill Hartwell, and her cherished granddaughters, Ali Hartwell of NYC and San Diego, and Aimee Hartwell (Claire) of Denver, CO.

Bea's legacy of love, creativity, and curiosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be remembered for her boundless energy, her dedication to education, and her unwavering love for her family.

We will have a local Celebration of Life in October, you can reach out to Sue for more details. There is a national/international Zoom Celebration of Life as well later in the month.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bea's memory to the Creative Education Foundation in the General fund in Honor of my Mom, or the Center for Applied Imagination at Buffalo State, to the Sidney and Bea Parnes collection fund for the naming of the Library, ensuring that her passion for creative learning continues to inspire future generations. Bea supported and believed in the longevity of both of these organizations.