Memorial Service: 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 17, 2017
Service Location: St. Jerome Catholic Church
Inurnment: St. Jerome Catholic Church Columbarium
Beatrice R. Matthews (nee Roesch), aged 87 years, joined absent loved ones on May 6, 2017. Bea was born in Manhattan, New York on March 5, 1930 and grew up in Brooklyn. She moved to the area upon her marriage to Thomas B. Matthews on Oct. 14, 1952. Together they had three children, Thomas Jr., Walter, and Luanne.
Bea was a charter member of St. Jerome Catholic Church. She served on the Board of Directors for the Daybreak Condominium Home Owner’s Association and was a past president. She was also active in the Newport News “Neighborhood Watch Program” and in December 2012, she received its “Making a Difference” award. She enjoyed all types of crafts and read extensively.
Bea was preceded by her husband of 37 years, Thomas; and her son, Tommy. She is survived by her son, Walter; daughter, LuAnne Wells; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; her sister, Catherine Reardon; and her sister-in-law and very special angel, Fran Roesch. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and dozens of friends who will miss her presence in their lives.
A Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am, Saturday, June 17, 2017 at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 116 Denbigh Blvd, Newport News. Interment will immediately follow at St. Jerome’s Columbarium. Arrangements are by Weymouth Funeral Home. .