Beatrice R. Drew

Bea Drew, 93, passed away in Newmarket, NH on September 28, 2025 to be with her Savior and reunited with her precious husband Bob Drew. They were longtime residents of Colrain and active in the area for many years, always together.

Bea was born October 22, 1931 the daughter of Leon and Philippine Peters, part of a family of 13 in Heath MA. She was a graduate of Arms Academy in Shelburne Falls and Franklin County Public Hospitals nursing program. She married her precious husband Bob on May 8,1954 and was predeceased by him August 6, 2022.

She became an RN first working in the Operating Room at the Hospital then spent 20 years on the Pediatric floor. After this, she became the office nurse for Pediatrician Dr. William Buchanan where they worked together for 22 years helping young children in the Greenfield area. She enjoyed travel, gardening, sewing for her sister Evelyn and was an avid reader. Her favorite title later in life was Gramma Bea, a role she did quietly but always with others in mind. Her life was never about Bea, it was about the little lives she served as a nurse and her family. Bob and Bea hosted many family reunions by their pool and entertained many others on holidays in their Colrain home. Bea was always so thoughtful even to the end. Her caregivers saw the same person many observed throughout her life, commenting often about her sweet spirit even when she was in pain. Her final weeks were good ones, surrounded by family and the great grandkids who enjoyed making her smile with their songs, dances or a funny story.

She is survived by her son Peter and daughter in law Deborah of Dover, NH. Three grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, her Brother John Peters (Valeda), sister Teresa Hicks and Sylvia Williams.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, October 25th of 2025 at 11:00 am at St. Joseph's Church, 34 Monroe Ave., Shelburne Falls. A light reception will follow in the church hall. There will be no public calling hours per her wishes and burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

Special thanks to Danny Churchill and Sherry Heldt, her niece, for many years of care when she and Bob were still in their home. Too many others to mention offered their kindness in visits, cards and even a couple who faithfully brought communion each Sunday. Father Bill from the church also visited often, which she always appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Griswold Memorial Library, P.O. Box 33 Colrain, MA 01340 where she had volunteered or LifePath, 101 Munson St, Greenfield, MA 01301

Arrangements are in the care of Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home in Shelburne Falls, MA and local assistance by Kent & Pelczar Funeral Home & Crematory.