Beatrice Duce “Bea” Edmondson, 78, of Baker City, died May 15, 2008, after a spirited fight with breast cancer.
Her memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 2130 Second St. The family invites those attending to bring a picture and a story to share after the service.
Bea was born on June 10, 1929, at Flagstaff, Ariz. She moved with her parents, Brian and Leah Duce, to Corvallis. Her family lived on a farm until 1939, when they moved into town.
She was a 1947 Corvallis High School graduate and attended Oregon State University at Corvallis for two years, majoring in home economics.
Bea married Richard Edmondson on Sept. 16, 1949. They lived in Portland while Dick attended dental school and then moved to Baker City in 1953.
A giving and empathetic wife, mother and friend, Bea will be remembered for her ability to share her love, her great energy and her sense of fun, family members said. She loved to read and to travel. She hoped for world peace, sewed and quilted like a true artist, and her flower gardens are a place in Heaven.
“She leaves behind an extensive family and many dear friends who will miss her always,” they said.
Survivors include her husband, Dick Edmondson of Baker City; her son, Gary Edmondson of West Linn; her daughter, Lynn Edmondson Gemmell of Woodinville, Wash.; grandsons, Jeffrey and Zachary Edmondson; granddaughters, Kelley and Nikki Gemmell; daughter-in-law, Kathy Edmondson; son-in-law, Tom Gemmell; and her brothers, Brian, Howard and Bob; and sister, Madeline.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggestions memorial contributions to the St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, Cove Camp Scholarship Fund, Chapter C.J., PEO Scholarship Fund or the charity of one’s choice through Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, May 20, 2008
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor