Born June 18, 1927 in Newark, New Jersey
Passed August 25, 2024 in Indialantic, Florida
Beatrice Ericson Tomchik, 97, passed away surrounded by her three children on Sunday, August 25, 2024 in Indialantic, Florida. “Bea” was predeceased by her father Ernest Ericson, stepmother Carol Ericson, her mother Marian Siemers and stepfather Kenneth Siemers. Born on June 18, 1927, in Newark, New Jersey, she grew up in Bridgeport, Connecticut, graduated Bassick High School and attended Upsala College in New Jersey where she was active in theater. She was a long-time resident of Stratford, Connecticut where she raised her three children.
She is survived by her son Craig Tomchik and his wife Audrey, daughter Lee Powell and her husband James, daughter Peggy Penridge and her partner Jack Fitzgibbon, her brother, Kenneth Siemers and his former wife Judy Siemers, and her sister, Lynn Ericson. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Eric Tomchik and his wife Samantha, Aaron Tomchik and his wife Courtney and her granddaughter, Michele Denoyer and her great grandchildren who called her “GG” Rafa and Crystal Cardona, Haevyn, Hazel and Silas Tomchik, Madison Tomchik, Mia Maslic and Nora Andrews plus her nephews, niece and their children.
Bea was a devoted mother who made every day all about her three children who were affectionally referred to as “pumpkin.” She worked tirelessly to create special memories for birthdays, holidays, and party nights. Christmas shopping began in June and was by far one of her favorite activities. Playing cards and games with her children and grandchildren was a real joy for her. “Mommy” looked forward to watching football and golf with her son Craig and celebrating New Year’s Eve on Frank Sinatra night at Petrillo’s with he and his wife, Audrey. She took the train to California for many years spending extended time with her daughter, Lee and her family plus playing bingo and visiting Las Vegas. She and her youngest daughter Peggy were best friends and enjoyed traveling together on Caribbean cruises, numerous road trips and everyday adventures.
The birth of her twin grandsons, Eric and Aaron, was a highlight in her life. They remember her as always making them feel special and loved. “Choo-Choo Grandma” as her granddaughter, Michele called her remembers lunches packed for the beach, road trips and stopping for the rain.
Bea worked for the Connecticut Unemployment Office for many years and then as a realtor in Connecticut and Florida until she retired. She loved the beach and spent endless time there with her children and grandchildren. She was fun loving, a great dancer and enjoyed dining out. Lady Luck smiled on her repeatedly as she enjoyed her many winnings at the games of chance. Her ability to make you feel special will be deeply missed. A private memorial will be held for the immediate family.
10 entries.
Sharon Gilchrest O'NEILL
from Ridgefield wrote on September 29, 2024:
I'll always remember Misses Tomchik, down the road, she was beautiful and I wished for her tan as a little girl.
Mo Fitzgibbon
from Vero Beach wrote on September 20, 2024:
Bea, a true delight, funny, and always kind, and giving to many of us. We were so lucky and fortunate to have her in our extended family, she embraced us with open arms. Holiday dinners and special family gatherings with my brother Jack and Peggy were monumental and Bea was at the head of the table bringing laughter, joy and very funny jokes too with her sassy and expressive way. She would smile and wink with pleasure. After our own mother Ruth passed, Bea’s heart was so big she made us Fitzgibbon’s feel loved and brought comfort and she became our mamma Bea, our grand-dame, and grandma B to our daughter BridJet too.There was a sense of family, a feeling of togetherness when Bea was in the room. You could ask her anything, her advice and or opinions was spot on whether you liked hearing the truth or not and given with a smile. It was usually the right answer too. Having those moments during those gatherings with Bea, I will cherish. Her light, her strength, and her love for her children and grandchildren were the only thing that mattered, family was it! Bea’s spirit, and her life’s journey will leave an indelible mark and will shine down on us always.
love
Mo & Rob & BridJet
Walker Fitzgibbon family ❤️🕊️✨
Ruth A Korpita
from Milford wrote on September 19, 2024:
Sorry to hear of Bea's passing, glad she lived a long life. Spent many wonderful days at the house in Stratford with the family and my friend Lee. Memories are a wonderful thing. Rest in Peace "mom".❤️
Ken siemers
from Cocoa beach wrote on September 18, 2024:
Memories from Stratford and our Mom come to mind today. They were so very close and our Mom was proud of my big sister and so was I. Such happy times to remember.
Elizabeth Cottrill
from Lancaster ohio wrote on September 16, 2024:
Mrs B was the best mother in law a lady could have. The first time I got to meet Mrs. B was in the airport and she said "oh your going to have beautiful babies " we got along great loved playing cards ,and eating that great meal. May she rest in peace. ❤
Peggy Penridge
from Indialantic FL wrote on September 16, 2024:
I have no idea how I will go on without my mother in my life, yet I know it is through everything she taught me that I will. I thank God for YOU, Mom. I thank Him for your special love, so many fun memories, our true friendship, your long and healthy life and for the privilege of caring for you as you did me. I will hold you in my heart always.
JoAnne Easler
from Lahaina, Maui wrote on September 14, 2024:
I feel like I just got a special peek into a very special life … well lived and well loved. What a blessed family you all have💝
Love,
Peggy’s old friend, JoAnne
Lee Powell
from Chula Vista, California wrote on September 14, 2024:
We were very lucky to have such a fantastic Mother who was so devoted to her children. She always said "I raised three very strong independent children". Right now I'm not feeling so strong. Mommy, I will miss you and love you forever and always.
Audrey Tomchik
from Indian Harbour Beach wrote on September 13, 2024:
Mom Bea was beautiful inside and out. She had beautiful natural blond hair and was always stylishly dressed. She rarely talked about herself but she always wanted to know what was new with me.
Bea loved to play Bingo! One of my favorite memories of her was when Craig and I drove her to Tampa to play Bingo at the Hard Rock Casino. We dropped her off and we rode around checking out the area. She called when she was ready to be picked up. Craig waited in the parking lot and I went to look for her. She was nervously waiting at the door. I ask her if she was ok and she said,. "Can't talk let's go!" She rushed ahead of me telling me to hurry...We made it to where Craig was parked and clutching her pocketbook, she jumped inside the car and gave a big sigh of relief....she had won $10,000 and it was all stuffed in her purse!!
Mom Bea has left an indelible mark in my ❤️.
Craig S Tomchik
from Indian Harbour Beach wrote on September 13, 2024:
The most special and loving Mother.
I will miss you forever Mommy.
Born June 18, 1927 in Newark, New Jersey