Beatrice Lamica

BEATRICE "Bea" J. LAMICA, age 83, of Ascutney, VT, passed away in the early morning hours of Sunday, March 6, 2011 at the home of her daughter Anna Lamica, in Steward, IL. BORN: She was born September 7, 1927, in Monkton, VT, the daughter of Simon and Mildred (Robinson) Blake. EARLY YEARS:Bea had to grow up early, her mother leaving when she was only eight years old and her father working long hours as a lumberman. Taking care of her six siblings was a full time job, but one she never shied from. Rather than sitting in a school room, Bea graduated from the school of "hard knocks" from which her deep devotion to family and steel determination were born. MARRIAGE: Later, working as a housekeeper for various local families, she met a hired hand working for Horse Putnam Farm. His name was Gerald Potwin and it wasn’t long before he won her heart. They were soon married and made their home in Enosburg Falls, VT, on a 175 acre farm that they worked together, side by side. Bea sold the farm after Gerald’s passing in 1979. It wasn’t long after the she became lucky in love again, this time meeting Elmer Lamica at a local VFW in Springfield, VT in 1980. Elmer quickly fell in love and after a whirlwind courtship they were married in the Old South Church in Windsor on October 19, 1981. RESIDENTIAL HISTORY: They both began a new chapter in their lives while living in Windsor for a time while Elmer worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber. They moved to Ascutney in 1987. They lived near Branson, MO, for seven years before "Vermont Living" brought them back to Ascutney where they have recently made their home. MEMBERSHIPS: Bea was most recently a member of the Jehovah Witness Church in Claremont, NH. She also was a cancer survivor and avid supporter of the Relay for Life helping to raise funds for cancer research. LIFE NOTES: Bea was a strength not found in many and a heart that never stopped loving. Her house was kept clean and organized with a place for everything and everything in its place. The kitchen always smelled of her latest creation making mouth-watering memories with every bite. Because of her hard upbringing, Bea was keen to save everything, keeping any and all special items, especially owl figurines, country western t-shirts, glassware, stuffed animals and more. She also loved to dance. It didn’t matter what kind of music was playing, or whether you knew how to dance or not, she made a name for herself on the dance floor. She was an animal lover and her favorite and most recent pet was a Reindeer Chihuahua named Tammy who slept next to Bea, even into her last days, keeping watch through the night. Bea left a mark on this life that was uniquely her own and will be missed dearly by all. SURVIVORS: She is survived by her loving husband Elmer, Three children:Nancy (James) Dash of Bowling Green, KY, Gerald "Sonny" (Rena May) Potwin of New Port, VT and Juanita Potwin of Lebanon, NH;Five step-children:Anna Lamica of Steward, IL, Linda (Keith) Livingston-Squires of Rapid City, SD, James (Cherie) Lamica of Greeley, CO, Susan (Todd) Holman of Wellington, CO, and Kathy (Patrick) McIntyre of Greeley, CO;Thirteen grandchildren;Nine great-grandchildren;Two great-great grandchildren; Five siblings:Ruth "May" Gagnon of Chester, VT, Sadie Blake of CA, Doris Moxley of OK,Bobby Blake of the Somoan Islands and Francis Blake of Platsburg, NY;Many nieces and nephews and a family of friends. PRECEDED:She is preceded in death by her parents, first husband Gerald Potwin, one brother, Simon Blake and one grandson, Michael Dash VISITATION / FUNERAL Private family burial will follow cremation at a later date. MEMORIAL A memorial has been established in their name to benefit her favorite charities. Checks may be made to the "Beatrice Lamica Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com.

Private family burial will follow cremation at a later date.

Private family commital service