Beatrice Cross (Photos courtesy Dawnelle Conlisk)
Beatrice Cross passed away Friday, March 27, 2020 at Careage of Whidbey in Coupeville.
The following is from her daughter-in-law, Dawnelle Conlisk:
As I lay here this morning thinking about what to say and share.
Coronavirus is real, it’s not a joke, it kills, it took my mother-in-law.
We are a part of the Island, seeing people say “Stay far away from anyone associated with Careage of Whidbey in any way,” is a very rude comment.
We should all be taking social distancing seriously from everyone.
On March 6th, 2020 my husband and I showed up at Careage to visit my mother-in-law after a run to Walmart to buy her four tubes of lipstick, some gum, hard candy, and a new shirt to surprise her.
We arrived to the door being locked and Careage protecting their residents early on.
But in that moment Careage wasn’t only protecting my mother-in-law, they also protected my husband and myself.
Unknown to any of us at that moment.
But it’s bigger than that, as I work in the Oncology clinic at WhidbeyHealth. They protected your friends and family too.
Beatrice Cross arrived to Careage of Whidbey on May 1, 2013.
She has been cared for with compassion for just short of seven years.
Her 75th birthday would have been in August.
Bea was known for her giggles and love of bingo.
She loved that the staff at Careage would bring her the articles printed out extra large of her grandson Danny Conlisk’s latest races.
Her pride even from the view from the nursing home was giant.
This past fall her granddaughter, MaryBeth Conlisk, joined the Air Force.
Every chance she got to catch a new photo or story of her, she took it.
She was so proud of her son, daughter, all six grandchildren.
Every person who would come into her room when I visited she would tell them over and over where I worked. I know she loved her own connection to this Island and the people.
Careage tested everyone.
She was one who came back positive but had no symptoms until Thursday night; Friday morning she woke up.
Around 10:30 AM the nurse went in to check on her and found her gone peacefully in her bed.
It was so fast!
The staff is selfless and still taking care of all the residents. Risking themselves with their giant hearts.
Instead of negative comment throwing we should be supporting these amazing angels.
They are family to the residents of Careage.
I was able to speak with a few of them on the phone and express that I am sorry for their loss too.
Bea was very happy and comfortable and part of their family too.
She didn’t die alone and afraid, because they showed up to work.
Please take this epidemic seriously. I can’t say it enough!
May you rest in peace Bea and be dancing again on the streets of gold, pain free.
Hello I am so sorry to hear of Beas’ death. two years ago I spent over four months in carriage recovering from hip surgeries and got to know her pretty well and I enjoyed our conversations with her and seeing her on a daily basis. I loved her turquoise wall it added some life to the room. The last time I was there she been moved to a different room and someone else was getting to enjoy that color. I also found the staff to be very nice up there and very caring thank you for what you said about them also. She made me a few pictures when I was there too so I am so sorry. I lost my mom 4 years ago in the memories of her last forever hang in there. God bless you all
My love and prayers go out to you and your family at this time of terrible loss. May you find peace in the memories of this wonderful woman. Bless the wonderful caregivers at Careage, for their tireless devotion to Bea. ❤️
I worked with Bea for a couple of years when I worked at Careage. She was a delight and so full of spunk! So sad:(
I am So very sorry for your loss. Prayers with you and your family.
I have had the privilege of working with your mother in Law for a year and a half now. I worked on wed -fri this week and had been the one who answered the phone when you had called back. I had to transfer you to the nurse because of course she was thr one who had to give you the news. Miss bea would always ask “how you doin hunny” or “dont work too hard now” . I will truly miss her and it was a privilege working with her. Im so very for your loss. Thank you as well for your kind words. This was beautiful and truly made me cry. You all are in our thoughts and prayers❤️
Thank you, so much for all of your kind words! I have worked at Careage for the last 10 years and have had the pleasure to care for Bea as her NAC for 5 years and her Nurse the last two.
She was and will always be one of my favorite residents that I have had the pleasure to get to know. Her giggle was contagious, and one of a kind. She was SO proud of her kids and grandchildren! She spoke a lot of Virginia Beach and her twin, Barbara. I remember she rolled around in her wheelchair and showed everyone the article about her grandson and his success in track for probably a month.
Bea will always have a special place in my heart. I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Again, thank you for all of your kind words and I wish nothing, but the best for your family.
God Bless, Jessica
My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to her family. My mom is also at Careage of Whidbey and I pray everyday that she and everyone else will make it through this trying time. I can’t you enough for showing up each and every day to take care of the patients. God bless you all.
My condolences, bless your loved one, your family and the Carriage of Whidbey family!!
So sorry for your unexpected loss. I know a care giver there ad she is so devoted to her patients. I know they are all feeling the loss. May God give you peace and comfort
So sorry for your loss. I know the staff at Careage works very hard. They care about the residents and love them.
I’m sorry for the loss of your mom Ken and Dawnelle. You two were incredibly attentive to her and she was so proud of you both. I wish you comfort in fond memories.
We are so sorry for your loss. We pray the memories bring you comfort.
I’m so sorry to have learned of your loss of Bea. I have seen her every time I visit Careage and she always had a smile, a friendly greeting and a pat on the head for my dogs. I will miss her. Prayers for you and your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Bea is dearly missed and was loved by all of us.
I currently work at Careage of Whidbey and I have to admit that Bea was hands down my favorite resident. The last time I seen Bea she was Happy and content coloring a printed out picture of a prince and princess. I asked her if that was Cinderella. Bea told me how she just loved to color. I would often see her throughout the day with a smile and hardly ever without her lipstick on. I would drop off Laundry in her room and she always had a picture blanket on her bed of her family.
I pray GOD will give your family peace that surpasses all understanding and comfort knowing that she was loved and touched many lives.