Beatrice Iva Gay Mead Riley

Beatrice Iva Gay Mead Riley, age 87, formerly of Owego, New York passed away on January 6, 2021 peacefully at her home in Georgia with family at her side . Beatrice was born June 7, 1933 to the late Harry and Mabel Gay of Owego, New York. She is predeceased by her husband and the love of her life Arthur (Art) Mead of Owego, New York, second husband Minot Riley of Apalachin, New York and North Carolina, granddaughter Jacqueline Mead of New York and son-in-law Billy Allen of Texas. She is survived by her children Gay Michelle Mead (Lori) of New York, Edwin Mead (Laurel) of South Carolina, Robin L Allen (Billy deceased) of Georgia and Stephan Mead (Jodie) of New York. Grandchildren Melissa Brown (Ryan), Aaron Mead (Jen) of Georgia, William Mead, Montana Mead and step-granddaughter Teresa Kurtz of NY. Great grandchildren Tristan Brown and Rowan Brown of GA. Beatrice graduated from Owego Free Academy in 1951 and Ridley Lowell School of Business. She married Arthur Mead in January 1952 settling in Owego, NY. Bea's career took her in many directions. She started as a secretary for Stackmore Furniture in Owego. For most of her career, Bea worked for several insurance firms in Owego including Peter B Ellis, Ellis Edson Beaudry and Tri-Town Insurance. She also owned Bea-Gay Ceramics with her mother Mabel Gay and was past Vice-President of the Penn-York Ceramic League. When Art opened the Lark Restaurant, she contributed her talent for baking to support his business. Bea retired as an office manager from Tri-Town Insurance in 1985. Bea had many interests including sewing, traveling, camping, ceramics, crafting, cooking, reading and finding unique restaurants to dine in and places to visit throughout the US. She and Arthur began their first adventure in camping with their family by going to the 1964-65 World's Fair in NYC. They continued camping, traveling all along the east coast of the US and Canada during the weekends, their children's school breaks and summers. After Arthur's passing in 1972 she continued camping in the RV with her children exploring much of the US. In 1985 Bea remarried to Minot (Mike) Riley, moving to North Carolina. She and Mike enjoyed their retirement boating, golfing, playing bridge, crafting and continued traveling the US in their motorhome. Following Mike's passing in 2002, Bea moved to Georgia to be closer to her family. She give up camping for traveling by cruise ship going to Hawaii, the Caribbean, central America and Columbia via the Panama Canal . Bea was a creative talented crafter and artist. She enjoyed painting the most, gifting family and friends with her artwork. It was her love of travel, food and creativity that she passed on to her children, family and friends. Bea was a devoted wife and mother. She also cherished time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was always willing to try many new and different things. She never saw a food she wouldn't try or a place she was afraid to travel. She was a woman of great faith, loved Jesus Christ her Lord and Savior. Bea was a member of The First Presbyterian Union Church in Owego where she was a Deaconess and an active member of the church's Diet, Discipline and Discipleship program. She continued to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ in several other churches as she moved to North Carolina and Georgia. She left behind a great legacy and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. The family would like to thank Nurse Kathy for Bea's care in her final days and assisting the family through that difficult time. Also, Arlington Burial and Cremation and Warren Baptist Church Chapel in Martinez Georgia. It was Bea's wish to be buried next to the love of her life Arthur Mead in Newark Valley, NY. Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service to be held on Saturday, July 31, 2021, 1:30 PM at Hope Cemetery, State Route 38 South Main Street, Newark Valley, NY. The service will be officiated by Pastor Carolyn Gillette with First Presbyterian Union Church in Owego, NY. Arrangements handled by MacPherson Funeral Home in Newark Valley, NY. The family would like to thank the Cooley family and Ryan Lamb for their assistance handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers kindly consider a donation to First Presbyterian Union Church, 90 North Avenue, Owego, NY 13827 or Alliance Hospice Foundation, 3475 Riverwatch Parkway, Suite 320, Martinez, GA 30907. Beatrice loved color in all aspects of her life. Please feel free to honor her by wearing your favorite color on July 31, 2021 whether attending her graveside service or simply remembering her on this day. Memories and condolences may be written in Bea's guest book at macphersonfh.com Graveside Service Hope Cemetery Saturday, July 31, 2021 1:30 PM Rt. 38 Newark Valley, NY 13811 Directions