Beatrice Ann Hodges
August 17, 2014
Beatrice Ann Hodges (nee Bourgeois) is survived by her eight children, David (Donna Schorr), Dianne (Mary Ann Haggerty), Mark (Susan), Nancy Barber (Oliver), James (Monica), Matthew (Tracey), Philip, and Luke (Susan), and 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Born on Nov. 19, 1926, in Shelby, OH, Beatrice was the eldest of five children born to Alvin and Lorena Bourgeois. She suffered the tragic loss of her brother Colligan at age 12, but lived a happy childhood as one of the “Bourgeois Girls” with her three beloved sisters Shirley, Joan and Suzanne. “Bea” as she was known, went on to study French at the College of St. Francis in Joliet, IL, where she also continued her vocal training, as she was a gifted soprano. Her instantly recognizable singing voice was heard for many years as a longtime member of the choir at Christ the King Church in Haddonfield.
In June of 1952, she married Dale Hodges, also of Shelby, and together they raised their eight children. Dale pre-deceased her in 1993. Bea’s deep love for her children was best manifested in her devotion to her son Philip, born with Cerebral Palsy in 1963. Bea made Philip a central part of her family and through him taught her children the lessons of compassion and caring that they carry with them to this day.
Memorial donations may be sent to the Wendell Foster Center of Owensboro, KY at www.wfcampus.org.
