Beatrice Marie Romano

1925 - 2018

Beatrice Marie Romano

Blauvelt - It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Beatrice Marie Romano, who died on Sunday April 15th at the age of 92. Born in Brooklyn, New York on May 17, 1925, Beatrice later resided in Rockland and Westchester counties, including the communities of Blauvelt, Cross River and Pomona.

Blessed with unwavering faith and grace, Beatrice will be remembered as a true inspiration to her family and friends. A devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, our beloved "Bea" is survived by her five children; Beatrice MacGregor (and her husband Bruce), Christine Romano, Carol Romano, Elisabeth Romano and Joseph Romano, Jr. (and his wife Catherine). She is also survived by four grandchildren; Cira Hook, Cameron MacGregor (and his wife Claire), Alexander MacGregor and Sophia Romano-Clinton, as well as four great-grandchildren; Tyler Hook, Adie MacGregor, Owen MacGregor and Morgan Hook. Bea is predeceased by her parents, Lucia and Giuseppe Picone, and her two brothers, John and Joseph Picone, as well as her former husband, Joseph.

After attending St. Agnes Seminary School, Bea graduated from St. Joseph's College (Brooklyn) in 1946 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Education. In December 1946, she married Joseph Romano and together they raised five children. Bea later received a Master of Arts (1964) and a Master of Education (1974) from Teachers College, Columbia University. She published several articles in her field of study and enjoyed a rewarding career as an Adjunct Professor at several institutions, including Iona College, Marist College, Mercy College and Rockland Community College.

Bea was highly-active in the religious community and was awarded certification by the Archdiocese of New York as a Parish Catechist. A long-time parishioner of St. Catharine's Church in Blauvelt, she served for many years as a lector and Eucharistic Minister. In addition, she taught religious education and was President of the St. Catharine's Guild for over two decades. In 1976, Bea founded the Rockland Youth Commission and later received the Distinguished Service Award by the Rockland County Legislature. A dedicated volunteer throughout her life, she was also recognized for her efforts working with patients at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern and made a particular impact as a spiritual adviser for inmates at both Sing Sing and Bedford Hills Correctional facilities.

Most of all, Bea touched so many lives through her thoughtfulness, sacrifice, creativity and love. While she will be dearly missed, we can all take comfort that God has blessed her with eternal peace.

The family will welcome visitors from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM on Friday April 20th at Moritz Funeral Home in Tappan. On Saturday April 21st, a Catholic Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 AM at St. Catharine's Church in Blauvelt. Following the Mass, Bea will be laid to rest alongside her parents, brother and aunt and uncle at Holy Cross Cemetery in Brooklyn. In lieu of flowers, donations and memorials in Bea's honor may be made to Cenacle Sisters (cenaclesisters.org).

Moritz Funeral Home

98 Route 303 South

Tappan, NY 10983

( 845) 359-0890

www.moritzfh.com