Beatrice R. Conrad, 88

WAKEFIELD, R.I. – Beatrice Ruth Conrad (Freedman) passed away peacefully on Jan. 27 at her home in Wakefield, surrounded by her family. Born in Philadelphia, the daughter of the late Allan and Gertrude Freedman, she was predeceased by her beloved husband, Herbert Conrad, to whom she had been married for more than 55 years. Beatrice is survived by her twin children, Allan Conrad of Manalapan, N.J., and Susan Woodford Nelson of Peacedale. She was the loving grandmother of eight grandchildren, Daniel, Rosie, Marilyn, Justin, Meredith, Gabrielle, Matthew and Jeffrey, and three great-grandchildren, Eve, Hero and Luca.

Beatrice previously resided in Berkeley Heights, N.J., where she and her husband were congregants at Temple Sinai in Summit, N.J.. for many years. She was a graduate of Hunter College, and was a multi-talented, passionate woman who later earned a master’s degree in English Literature and School Social Work.

After meeting Herbert at the Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute, where he was employed in research for the war effort, they married and moved to New Jersey where they raised their children. She was an accomplished English teacher at Summit High School, and later a school social worker, while Herbert’s career as an analytical chemist advanced through National Starch Chemical Company to Johnson & Johnson, where he eventually retired as a distinguished and highly regarded scientist.

She was also a talented short story author and poet, who was published on a number of occasions, including “American Scene: New Voices,” “The Night of the Falling Star,” and “The Lyric.” Her work was also recognized in “The Quotable Woman,” a widely published compendium of distinguished authors and poets. Beatrice was also an accomplished soprano vocalist, having performed lead roles in numerous little theater productions including “Cabaret,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “1776,” “Funny Girl” and “The Most Happy Fella.” She continued to pursue her creative talents, leading the Poetry Group at Brightview Commons in Wakefield.

Contributions in her memory may be made to Doctors without Borders, 333 7th Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10001-5004.