1943
Beatrice
2021
Beatrice B. (Visco) McClay
August 24, 1943 — September 10, 2021
Beatrice B. (Visco) McClay, known as Bea, died peacefully on September 10, 2021.
Bea was born on October 24, 1943, just shy of two years from when her parents Mildred "Millie" (Nappi) Visco and John P. Visco were married in Portland, ME on November 23,1941 at St. Peter's church.
Bea grew up in Brighton, MA until the age of 9yrs old when the family moved to Waltham, MA, where she graduated from Waltham High School. Bea was married at the young age of 19yrs old to Robert (Bobby) LaTorella and by the age of 21yrs old, their daughter Gail Jean LaTorella was born on March 14, 1964. Bea's passing is preceded by the tragic loss of her daughter Gail in 1989 at the tender age of 25yrs old.
Bea was divorced and later married Bill Cunningham in her mid-20's. Bill was often referred to as a look-alike of Clint Eastwood who was a construction worker that liked fast cars and excitement.
The excitement faded and Bea and Bill were divorced. A few years later, Bea met and married John McClay. John was a purple heart recipient from losing his leg in the Vietnam War at the young age of 19. They lived in Chelmsford, MA together with Gail during the 1980's. During these years Bea & John would host Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, as she was an excellent cook. These family events were especially enjoyable to Bea's mother Millie, as she adored John, Bea, Gail and their two beautiful, white Samoyed dogs. In fact, some of these dinners were marathon events which started around noon with stuffed mushrooms and lasted into the early evenings. John was quite humorous, as he had a Chinese friend by the name of Jimmy that owned a restaurant in Chelmsford. John would introduce Jimmy at a prisoner he captured in Vietnam and brought home.
Life and family dynamics always lend themselves to both highs and lows, ups and downs but ultimately the familial bond cannot be broken. In later years, the sibling relationship and friendship between Bea and Jay strengthened and blossomed and is something for which they both remain grateful.
Bea worked for the New England Telephone & Telegraph Company in Watertown for a few years in the early 1960's and even did some modeling for their bi-monthly published Directory Digest. During the 1980's she and her daughter Gail started their own B & G Home Cleaning business as a side job. Bea spent most of here working career at Sylvania Company in Waltham where she met her lifetime partner and soulmate, Jerry Coonen, who she loved with all her heart to the very end. Bea and Jerry lived in Beverly, MA in a beautiful home overlooking Beverly Harbor. They would often visit Mexico, where Jerry owned some property as well. Keeping the home in Beverly, Bea and Jerry moved to Stewart, FL and then to Jensen Beach, FL. Bea and Jerry had been inseparable for close to 30yrs. Jerry's family welcomed Bea from the very beginning, especially Jerry's sons Steve and Joe Coonan, who have been endearing, caring and extremely helpful over this past year and more. We cannot thank Joe enough for his kind heart and efforts. As Steve mentioned, "Bea always looked out to make sure that the kids had something for their birthdays and for Christmas and she was very thoughtful that way. She also participated with Flat Stanley for two of my sons' projects which was very much appreciated."
Bea is survived by her brother John "Jay" Visco and his wife Denise (Bergin) Visco, along with their son Matthew "Matt" Visco. Bea truly loved Matt and spoiled him terribly in his early years growing up. Coming from a very large family, on both the Visco and the Nappi side, Bea grew up with many cousins, all of whom she cared for dearly. Both Connie (Volante) Finn and Betty (Visco) Destino lived close by growing up and probably saw her more than most, yet Bea was close with and loved all of her cousins and aunts and uncles.
The funeral service will be private, and a celebration of Bea's life will be planned and held at a later time. Bea's ashes will be laid to rest along with her daughter, Gail Jean LaTorella, at Mount Feake Cemetery in Waltham, MA.
Memorials in Bea's name may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd, Waltham, MA 02452 or https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Events/Tributes-AlzheimersChampions?pg=fund&fr_id=1060&pxfid=708585
Bea was born on October 24, 1943, just shy of two years from when her parents Mildred "Millie" (Nappi) Visco and John P. Visco were married in Portland, ME on November 23,1941 at St. Peter's church.
Bea grew up in Brighton, MA until the age of 9yrs old when the family moved to Waltham, MA, where she graduated from Waltham High School. Bea was married at the young age of 19yrs old to Robert (Bobby) LaTorella and by the age of 21yrs old, their daughter Gail Jean LaTorella was born on March 14, 1964. Bea's passing is preceded by the tragic loss of her daughter Gail in 1989 at the tender age of 25yrs old.
Bea was divorced and later married Bill Cunningham in her mid-20's. Bill was often referred to as a look-alike of Clint Eastwood who was a construction worker that liked fast cars and excitement.
The excitement faded and Bea and Bill were divorced. A few years later, Bea met and married John McClay. John was a purple heart recipient from losing his leg in the Vietnam War at the young age of 19. They lived in Chelmsford, MA together with Gail during the 1980's. During these years Bea & John would host Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, as she was an excellent cook. These family events were especially enjoyable to Bea's mother Millie, as she adored John, Bea, Gail and their two beautiful, white Samoyed dogs. In fact, some of these dinners were marathon events which started around noon with stuffed mushrooms and lasted into the early evenings. John was quite humorous, as he had a Chinese friend by the name of Jimmy that owned a restaurant in Chelmsford. John would introduce Jimmy at a prisoner he captured in Vietnam and brought home.
Life and family dynamics always lend themselves to both highs and lows, ups and downs but ultimately the familial bond cannot be broken. In later years, the sibling relationship and friendship between Bea and Jay strengthened and blossomed and is something for which they both remain grateful.
Bea worked for the New England Telephone & Telegraph Company in Watertown for a few years in the early 1960's and even did some modeling for their bi-monthly published Directory Digest. During the 1980's she and her daughter Gail started their own B & G Home Cleaning business as a side job. Bea spent most of here working career at Sylvania Company in Waltham where she met her lifetime partner and soulmate, Jerry Coonen, who she loved with all her heart to the very end. Bea and Jerry lived in Beverly, MA in a beautiful home overlooking Beverly Harbor. They would often visit Mexico, where Jerry owned some property as well. Keeping the home in Beverly, Bea and Jerry moved to Stewart, FL and then to Jensen Beach, FL. Bea and Jerry had been inseparable for close to 30yrs. Jerry's family welcomed Bea from the very beginning, especially Jerry's sons Steve and Joe Coonan, who have been endearing, caring and extremely helpful over this past year and more. We cannot thank Joe enough for his kind heart and efforts. As Steve mentioned, "Bea always looked out to make sure that the kids had something for their birthdays and for Christmas and she was very thoughtful that way. She also participated with Flat Stanley for two of my sons' projects which was very much appreciated."
Bea is survived by her brother John "Jay" Visco and his wife Denise (Bergin) Visco, along with their son Matthew "Matt" Visco. Bea truly loved Matt and spoiled him terribly in his early years growing up. Coming from a very large family, on both the Visco and the Nappi side, Bea grew up with many cousins, all of whom she cared for dearly. Both Connie (Volante) Finn and Betty (Visco) Destino lived close by growing up and probably saw her more than most, yet Bea was close with and loved all of her cousins and aunts and uncles.
The funeral service will be private, and a celebration of Bea's life will be planned and held at a later time. Bea's ashes will be laid to rest along with her daughter, Gail Jean LaTorella, at Mount Feake Cemetery in Waltham, MA.
Memorials in Bea's name may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd, Waltham, MA 02452 or https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Events/Tributes-AlzheimersChampions?pg=fund&fr_id=1060&pxfid=708585
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