Bergen County Teacher Who Volunteered For Ambulance Corps Into Her 80s Dies

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Beatrice Rose Napier impacted many lives in Bergen County over her 88 years, according to her obituary and several social media posts this week. She died on Monday after a long illness, her obituary says.

Napier volunteered with the Washington Township Ambulance Corps until 2019, answering more than 7,000 calls, according to her obituary and local officials. She stopped only because she needed to take care of husband Tony, who was diagnosed with lung cancer, and who himself had taught and coached in and around Ridgewood through his family business, Tony Napier's Gymnastics School.

Bea had also taught dance at the famous Frances Cole's School of Dance to make it easier for her four daughters to attend classes there, her obituary says. She also drove to the Bronx several times each week to serve food to homeless men in a shelter, who looked forward to visits from "Miss Bea." Despite standing at under 5 feet tall, she learned karate in her 40s, earning a black belt and competing with the USA Karate Foundation.

Washington Township Mayor Peter Calamari said Tuesday, "For decades, Bea was simply part of the fabric of Washington Township. Whether you knew her personally, saw her on an ambulance call, or heard one of the many stories about her incredible dedication, you knew Bea cared deeply about helping others. ... she answered thousands of calls, saved lives, and was there for families during some of their hardest moments."

A service will be held June 27. Read her obituary here.