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.
