Beatrice P. Reardon

GORHAM – Beatrice P. Reardon, 96, of Saco passed away May 27, 2024, at Gorham House in Gorham. Bea was born May 2, 1928, the 13th of 15 children of George and Rosa (Sylvestre) Poirier in Biddeford. She attended St. Joseph’s School where she learned English. Growing up during The Great Depression wasn’t easy, but it gave her a resiliency and tremendous work ethic that served her well throughout her life.

Bea’s first job was at Woolworth’s in Biddeford. At the Saco Lowell she met the love of her life, Daniel J. Reardon. They were married for 59 years before his passing in 2011. Together they created a family with Barry and Karen who spent many a day at the beach in the summer and enjoyed biking, sledding, and sports throughout the year. Bea was an excellent homemaker and was always willing to help others. She would put others’ wants and needs ahead of hers as evidenced by the fact that Dan and Karen came home with a German Shepherd one day, while she was afraid of dogs. It did not take long for her to become the Alpha in the family and have “Sally”, knowing who the real boss was.

She was a bike rider and would walk to work or elsewhere in the days of one car families. Her goal of having both her children earn a college degree was achieved and she worked hard to make that happen by being a good saver and learning how to be a smart investor. Both she and Dan were not ones to live beyond their means but were able to enjoy winter trips to Florida in retirement, where of course they went to the beach.

Bea devoted herself to helping others and her church, Most Holy Trinity in Saco, where she was a long-time member of the Catholic Women’s Club, co-chaired the Parish Fair, and volunteered for several years to help count the weekly collection. She also helped at Esther House, was willing to babysit grandchildren and grand dogs whenever needed and helped care for her older sisters as they aged. Her favorite singer was Nat King Cole and she only liked to dance with Dan.

Besides Daniel, Beatrice was predeceased by her parents, George and Rosa Poirier, her brothers, George (Belle), Joseph (Violet), Paul (Frances), Maurice (Florence), and Richard (Marguerite), and Leo Paul; her sisters Diana (Gerard) Bertrand, Florence, Jeannette (Henry Pombriant and Romeo) Sylvestre, Sr. Laurette Poirier, Sr. Martha Poirier, Gertrude, Evelyn (Vic) Fleurant, brother-in-law Robert Reardon, and in-laws Walter and Winifred Reardon.

She is survived by her children, Barry Reardon and wife Marion Fields, Karen Reardon, grandsons Jesse and Kiera Reardon and Joe and Ali Reardon, and great-grandchildren, Ava, Hank and John, her sister Lucille Duclos and by several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours are Sunday June 2, from 4-7 p.m. at Hope Memorial in Biddeford with a funeral mass Monday June 3, 11 a.m. at Most Holy Trinity Church, Saco. Burial to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Biddeford.

Memorial donations may be made in Beatrice’s memory to Esther Residence,

PO Box 296,

Saco, ME 04072.

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