Beatrice May

In Loving Memory of Ms. Beatrice May Celebrating a Life of Warmth, Generosity, and Inspiration
Ms. Beatrice May, affectionately known by family as well as their friends as "Aunt Bea," passed away peacefully on Monday, October 27, 2025, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick. She was ninety-seven years old and leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and inspiration for all who knew her. Born and raised in New Brunswick, Ms. May spent her early years in North Brunswick and the Somerset section of Franklin Township before settling in Milltown in 1994.
She attended St. John's Grammar School and St. Peter's High School, both in New Brunswick. Ms. May continued her education at Douglas College, earning a bachelor's degree in fine arts and a minor in home economics. She later received her master's degree in home economics from Drexel University and pursued doctoral studies at the University of Pennsylvania.
Ms. May began her career in higher education as a member of the home economics faculty at the University of Rhode Island. She then returned to New Jersey, where she served Rutgers University in various roles. Her dedication to Rutgers, particularly at Cook College, spanned nearly thirty years. Ms. May guided countless students and colleagues, ultimately retiring as Chairwoman of Home Economics Department, Cooperative Extension Service, Cook College. Her passion for education and unwavering commitment to others made her a respected mentor and leader in her field.
Throughout her career, Ms. May participated actively in numerous professional organizations, including the American and New Jersey Home Economics Associations, the Association of Administrators of Home Economics, and several regional and national extension committees. She was also involved with the United States Department of Agriculture and Epsilon Sigma Phi, the National Honorary Extension Fraternity.
Ms. May was a devoted communicant of St. John the Baptist RC Church in New Brunswick, a parish her family helped to found. She served as a lector, a Eucharistic minister, sacristan, and a parish delegate to the diocesan pastoral council. Her faith and service to her community were guiding lights throughout her life. From an early age, Ms. May showed a talent for writing, particularly poetry. She cherished this gift and self-published a collection of her poems entitled, "Voice of My Spirit", sharing copies with those she loved. Her words brought comfort and joy to family and friends, offering glimpses into her gentle spirit and thoughtful nature. In retirement, Ms. May traveled extensively throughout North America and Europe, embracing new experiences and friendships along the way. Her stories from these journeys-about the people she met and the cultures she explored-often delighted those around her and reflected her curiosity and zest for life.
Ms. May was predeceased by her parents, Louis F. May, Sr. and Margaret (Funk) May; her brother, Louis F. May, Jr. and his wife Rosemary (Kempel); her sister, Margaret (May) Horling and her husband Joseph Horling Sr.; her sister Dorothy May; and nephew James Horling.
She is survived by a loving family that includes her nieces and nephews, Mary Lou (May) Kammen; Robert and Marge (Herbst) May; Gregory and Cindy (Van Brunt) May; Cecilia (May) and Robert Cherill; Edythe and Janice (Carter) May; Joseph and Ginger (Underwood) Horling; Meg (Horling) Bieloski; Pat (Horling) Mizerek; Carol (Horling) and Jack Burket; Tina (Horling) and Mike Cushing, and many grand-nieces, grand-nephews, great-grand-nieces and great-grand-nephews, and a great-great-grand-nephew. Her extended family spans several generations, each touched by her warmth and guidance. Aunt Bea's legacy endures in their memories and the traditions she helped create.
Visitation will be held on Monday, November 10, 2025, from 2:00–4:00 PM and 7:00–9:00 PM at The Gleason Funeral Home of North Brunswick, 555 Georges Road. Services will begin Tuesday at 9:30 AM at the funeral home, followed by a 10:30 AM funeral Mass at St. Mary of Mount Virgin Church in New Brunswick. Due to the observance of Veteran's Day Graveside services at St Peter's Cemetery in New Brunswick will be delayed to Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 11:30 AM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ms. May's name to The Society of St Vincent de Paul at St Matthias Church (Somerset, NJ), to The Center for Great Expectations (Somerset, NJ), to Elijah's Promise (New Brunswick, NJ), or to a charity of your choice.