Our beloved Beatrice (Bea) passed into eternal life in the early morning hours of Friday, January 23rd after more than 95 years of life, much of it spent in the Phoenix area. Born in 1924, she was the last of twelve siblings. She came to the Valley of the Sun from Connecticut as a nursing student in 1944 at Saint Joseph Hospital and spent her entire nursing career in its employ. Nursing was her life’s passion. After her retirement she lived a quiet life as a devoted volunteer and member of several local Catholic parishes. Special gratitude is expressed to her caregivers and hospice volunteers for these last few weeks of her life. Several nieces and nephews of her large family survive her. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Basilica, 231 N. Third Street, Phoenix on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. in the east St. Ann Chapel. Her body will be buried near her parents at St. Joseph Cemetery in Willimantic, Connecticut. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Mary Ann Ronan
I have such fond memories of your Aunt Bea. I knew her at St. Paul Parish in Moon Valley. She was a true woman of faith and loved her church. I remember a visit we had about end of life issues for Catholics. She was retired from nursing when I knew her. She was a lovely woman of prayer. I have such fond memories of her.
Sally Kiko
I am sorry to hear of Bea’s, Miss Mathieu to us student nurses, passing. I was in the class of 1963 and she took care of all my minor ailments. She swabbed my throat and gave me Coricidin for my colds. She was always caring and friendly. I’m sure all the students throughout the years have similar memories. She is now in the arms of our Lord.
Sally Kiko
Sister Margaret McBride
We at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center extend our sympathy to the family members. Miss Mathieu was a wonderful faculty member in our School of Nursing. Then Bea moved to our Employee Health Service and screened all new employees. She knew everyone in her quiet and graceful way. Her attention to detail was such an important quality. I’m so glad she shared her nursing career with St. Joseph’s Hospital and the Sisters of Mercy. How fortunate we were to know and work with her for so many years.
Our prayers go now to the family; may you know God’s grace and blessings during this time of loss.
Nancy Concholar c/o Felicia Concholar
To the family of Bea Mathieu, she was a wonderful lovely person I knew her as co-faculty at St. Josephs Hospital School of Nursing. My best wishes to you and all her family.
Sincerely,
Nancy Concholar
Kristine Tuttle
I was a student at St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1965. Miss Mathieu was a beautiful and caring presence to the students in her care. Her quiet and calm manner to a 17 year old girl who came from a small town in Idaho and was so homesick that first year was life saving. I have thought of her often through the years. Her time on this earth is finished and she is now enjoying her rewards of a life of service, in Heaven with our Savior, Jesus Christ. I will remember her and her family in my prayers.
Stephanie Hanners
I met Bea after she retired through a mutual friend in about 1995. I helped her nearly every wk for many years. She helped me with her kind heart , wisdom, and listening ear. She is missed. To the family – she loved you!