Bernadetta "Bea" Burgess

BERNADETTA S. “BEA” BURGESS (PERRUCCI), 90, of Providence, peacefully entered eternal life surrounded by her loving family on February 9, 2013 after a short illness. She was the beloved wife of the late George T. Burgess. Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Cosimo and Rose (Spaziano) Perrucci.

Bea graduated from Central High School in 1942. Following many years working for Backman's, Providence, she was employed as a secretary for the Inspection Department at Brown and Sharpe until retiring to raise a family in 1957.
A devoted communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church since 1941, Bea was a member of the Rosary Group, Daughters of Isabella, Renew and Blessed Sacrament School Parents Club. Along with her husband, George, she sponsored and taught Confirmation candidates. She was an enthusiastic team leader for the 20 Week Club for many years. She especially enjoyed volunteering for the Annual Christmas Fair, which she continued through this past December.

Bea loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Her home and table were always welcoming, creating a gathering place for family, extended family and friends. She enjoyed cooking traditional Italian specialties, especially those associated with the holidays and passed along her many recipes and special techniques.
She leaves two daughters, Karen B. Guercia and her husband, Steven and Donna B. Esposito and her husband, Tony; a son, Stephen G. Burgess and his wife, Josette; a sister, Yolanda “Vi” Perrucci and eight grandchildren, Allyse and Zachary Guercia, Ashley, Alexander, Allison and Ariel Esposito, Victoria and Jameson Burgess. She was the sister of the late Benny Perrucci, Mary Perrucci Gentile and Yolanda S. Perrucci.

Her funeral will be held on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 9 a.m. from the Maceroni Funeral Home, 1381 Smith St., North Providence with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Church, 179 Academy Ave., Providence. Visitation Friday 5-8 p.m. Burial will be in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Blessed Sacrament Church Endowment Fund. 239 Regent Ave., Providence, RI 02908.