Beatrice Marie Durham

DURHAM, Beatrice Marie (Bigelow) Mendon Bea left to go to her heavenly family on April 29, 2013. She was born in Battle Creek on October 24, 1937 to Clyde Bigelow and Jane (Birdsall) Dunning, who preceded her in death. Bea graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1956. A dedicated worker, Bea worked as an operator at Bell Telephone Company and as a clerk for Air Michigan before beginning her career at The Upjohn Company in 1972. She was a cashier in the Building 41 cafeteria until her retirement in 1992. In 1990 Bea and her husband, Don, moved to Mendon where she had more space to plant her flower beds. An avid gardener, she enjoyed spending time outdoors tending her flowers and vegetables. Bea loved to go on cruises. Bea was a wonderful, loving wife, mother and grandmother. She loved chasing after her grandsons and watching them grow. In addition to her parents, Bea was preceded in death by her sister, Sandra and her daughter, Sandra Jane. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Don, four sons, Donnie Allen, Jeff (Julie), Tim (Laura), and Greg; and four grandsons; Hayden Lee, Matthew, Travis and Oliver. Also surviving are three brothers, Pat (Laurie), Doug, and Ron; and her Uncle Ed and Aunt Franny. Cremation has taken place and a memorial dinner is planned for a later date. Memories and condolences may be left at www.avinkcremation.com