Beatrice M. Cokely

Beatrice (Bea) M. Cokely, 87, of East Longmeadow, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2021 at Baystate Medical Center. Beatrice was born on June 30, 1933 and adopted by her parents Elmer and Bella. Beatrice grew up in Holyoke and was a 1951 graduate of Holyoke High School. She was predeceased by her husband Duane, the love of her life and favorite dance partner, whom she met while she was a member of the USO. Together they enjoyed dancing, roller skating, spending time with family and friends, and vacations in East Otis, Myrtle Beach and Stowe, VT. They were both active participants in scouting, and their home was always a favorite hangout for kids of all ages. It was common for them to dance anywhere and everywhere- the kitchen, living room, the backyard, a picnic, or at any organized event. Living most of their lives in the Elmwood section of Holyoke, Beatrice attended Blessed Sacrament Church and worked her entire professional career at People’s Savings Bank. She made many life-long friends at “The Bank” and enjoyed traveling and meeting for breakfast with her friends. Upon retirement she moved to South Hadley and finally to East Longmeadow to live with her daughter. Beatrice had a gregarious giving spirit and was generous with everything she had- friendship, food, time, money, humor, but especially love. She was known as Grandma Bea to all children young and old. She is survived by her daughter Patricia Celentano, her partner Harry Adams; and her granddaughter Alyssa Celentano of East Longmeadow; her son Douglas Cokely, his wife Lynne of Bradford, MA; and grandchildren Christina and Sean Cokely of Bradford, MA; Kelleigh Cokely of Cortland, NY; Meghan Cokely of Tewksbury, MA; and her cousin and best friend Lillian Kurtz of Willimansett, MA. Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 26th from 4 to 7 pm at Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am on Saturday, February 27th at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1945 Northampton Street, Holyoke, followed by burial in St. Jerome Cemetery. The family would like to acknowledge and thank her devoted friend and caregiver Marysol; her “boyfriends” Paul and Michael; her fun and caring neighborhood “families;” Dr. Muhammad Gul, Baystate Medical Center Nurses, Staff, and Doctors; Care One at Redstone and the ambulance drivers who knew her by name. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005 or to the American Lung Association, PO Box 756, Osceola WI 54020-0756.

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