Monday, July 30, 2012

Sad News About an Inspiring Writer and A Special Friend, Bea Siros

I was shocked and saddened yesterday to hear about the passing of an inspiring woman and special writing friend -- Bea Siros.

E. Bernice Walker (Siros) Sotirocopoulos, known as Bea Siros, was one of the sweetest and most generous people I know. She genuinely cared about people, and her sweet smile could brighten the darkest day.

Bea had recently completed her memoir about growing up in North St. Louis. On Tuesday mornings at Coffee and Critique she read excerpts of her memoir and brought in photos to share. I loved listening to Bea reminisce about her family and friends. Bea had an amazing mind and a quick wit, but most of all she had a kind and generous heart.

At her 75th birthday party last June, she asked celebrants not bring gifts; instead, she made sure everyone there received a gift from her. Rather than dwelling on how much I will miss Bea, I thought I'd share these photos from her birthday celebration last year of Bea and her daughter.


A celebration of Bea's life will be held Tuesday, July 31, 2012 4-9 PM at The BAUE Funeral Home, 620 Jefferson Street, St. Charles, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Humane Society of St. Charles, MO.



14 comments:

  1. Donna, I'm sorry for your loss. What a wonderful idea she had - giving others gifts on HER birthday. Sounds like a special person.

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    1. Hi Madeline,
      Bea was a special woman who will be greatly missed, but her generous spirit lives on.
      Donna

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  2. Donna, thanks for posting this. I just loved Bea. She and I were the same height (although I weighed more!) and I'd stand next to her and hug her, telling her how young she looked...that we could be sisters...or that I looked older than her. What a sweet and funny friend....I'll miss her a lot.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Becky,
      Bea really was a wonderful lady with a special sense of style and grace.
      Donna

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  3. Sorry you have lost a friend but glad you have such good memoirs...they carry us far....

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  4. My condolences, Donna. Sounds like Bea was a very special person.

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  5. Bea was so beautiful, inside and out. And how she loved hats! I learned some things about writing from her, but I learned things from her too about life, about thoughtfulness and generosity. The word I choose for Bea is gracious. She was always gracious. My mood lightened whenever I saw her. It breaks my heart that I will not see her now, but thank you, Donna, for the fabulous pictures!

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  6. It's still hard to believe that Bea is gone. I don't think I ever saw her without a smile on her face.

    Pat
    Critter Alley

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  7. From your post and the comments, she sounds like a wonderful person. I am sure she will be missed by a lot of people. I am sorry for your loss.

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  8. Her legacy is the lives she touched and how special that you were among those. Blessings and comfort on you and her family.

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  9. She sounds like an amazing lade. I"m sorry for the loss to so many.

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  10. Hi Everyone,
    Thank you for your kind words.
    Bea's service last night wasn't a sad affair.
    Several of Bea's writing friends attended, wearing hats, in honor of Bea who loved to wear hats. And like Bea, her service was filled with love, grace and peace.
    Donna

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  11. That makes me sad. She was such a sweet lady.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Camille,
      She really was a sweet lady. She will be missed.
      Donna

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