Death Called

In the residence I now share far from Farmingdale and Massapequa, death is not unexpected. Rather it somewhat resembles attendance at a bingo game while waiting and wondering if your number will be the next to be called.

However, yesterday not in a subdued senior residence but instead placidly enjoying a highly anticipated time of joy, laughter and youthful expectation and far from a doctor’s office , two unexpected numbers were called by death,

I admit I didn’t know Bea Ferrari well. If yesterday’s tragedy hadn’t occurred, I would probably never have remembered her. We didn’t exchange Christmas cards or play bridge together, Bea was well known and loved in the Farmingdale Community. I was relatively unknown.

Bea was also sllghtly older than my children and of course, far younger than I. However, at one period of time, during the years we lived in the same community, we belonged to the same Parish, St. Kilian’s. For several years, before I relocated, Bea and I were both members of the Farmingdale Women’s Club.

While the two older of my four children had once been part of the Farmingdale High School Music program. the younger two chose sports. In a different time, however, all four traveled on a similar bus for an school event. Yesterday reading about the tragedy, I recalled being late for work on a snowy winter morning as I drove my oldest son and his friend, Kevin, to a waiting bus for an exciting Farmingdale High School Music outing.

So, no, I didn’t know her well, However, it was not necessary to know Bea Ferrari well, because her innate kindness and courtesy became apparent from the moment you were introduced.

She spoke with confidence, but was never abrasive nor did she ever flaunt her obvious wisdom. I recall Bea glowed with pride and love whenever she spoke about her family. It was inspirational.

Shortly after my husband’s death, Bea noticed me leaving St Kilian’s alone and took the time and opportunity to express comforting words of condolence and support. I don’t recall the precise words she used, but I have never forgotten thinking, “How kind she is.”

And while I did not know this amazing woman well, I am grateful I had the privilege of knowing her at all.

Bea Ferrari brightened each step on the highway she walked before her number was called.