Beatrice Fieldstadt Obituary

Beatrice Fieldstadt
07/11/2024
Beatrice A. Fieldstadt, 87, passed away peacefully on July 11th, at Jerome Home in New Britain, after living a long and joyous life. "Bea" was born on August 2, 1936, to Laticia Ellen and John Thomas Farr, and was one of three children. She is survived by her two daughters and their husbands, Susan and Kenneth Harper of East Hampton, CT and Robin and Donald Talmadge of Middletown, NY. She has three grandchildren, Erik Harper, John Harper, Jessica Talmadge, and 4 great-grandchildren, Kiernan, Emmett, Finnan, and Heidi.
Bea grew up with her siblings, Mary and John, in Fitchburg, MA, and graduated from Fitchburg High School. She left her hometown and moved to a convent in White Plains, New York, where she contemplated taking her vows. While there, she worked as a physical education instructor at New York Hospital Westchester Division. It was during this time she met her future husband, Arthur O. Fieldstadt, while on a blind date. Artie asked her to marry him on Easter in 1957, and they exchanged vows on October 10, 1958. Their first home was in Briarcliff, New York, and over the next several years they lived in Thornwood, South Salem and eventually settled in Brewster.
While holding a number of part-time jobs over the years, Bea's full-time occupation was that of wonder mom. She taught both her girls how to be kind and thoughtful, and that family is
forever. She was very active with Girl Scouts and Eastern Star, two organizations that helped young women grow and develop a desire to work together to benefit those around them. With
the girls married and Artie retired, it was time to downsize, and the two of them moved to Colchester, CT, in 2003. Sadly, she lost Artie in January of 2006, and spent several years finding
her way without him. Fortunately, she had her girls, her grandchildren, and her friends to help her stand on her own. And stand she did, she became very active at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, serving on a number of committees. She would volunteer at the Colchester Library, and the Senior Center. She spent a lot of time with her grandchildren who were her greatest treasures.
Despite the numerous health challenges she has faced over many years, there was always that trademark smile on her face and joy in her heart. No matter where she lived, caring for others was a very large part of who Bea was and she touched the hearts of all who knew her. Her spirit will continue to inspire that in all of us.
A memorial service will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in East Hampton, CT, on August 3rd , at 11:00 a.m. To leave online condolences, please visit www.spencerfuneralhomeinc.com .