Beatrice (Bell) Raponi

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Beatrice Bell Raponi, on November 17th, 2024, at the age of 97. Lovingly known as Bea, Beatty, or Gram, she passed after a lifetime dedicated to family, community, and connection.

Bea was born on July 22, 1927 in Brooktondale, NY to Sarah Jane and Chester Bell in the home where she grew up, and later raised her family. A natural caregiver, Bea’s life was defined by her commitment to others. From her early years, she believed in the power of compassion and made it her mission to uplift her community through service and meaningful connections.

At age 15, she started working at the pocketbook factory on South Hill in Ithaca making 22 cents an hour. At 17, she started working at NCR as a drill press operator. After graduating from Ithaca High School in 1945, she married Pasquale “Pat” Raponi in 1946. In the following years she worked at varied departments within Cornell University, at the Ithaca Journal, as a dental assistant, and again at NCR. Finally, she began her career with the post office in 1960 and remained there until she retired after 25 years of service.

She spent nearly 40 years with her loving companion and other half, Elmer VanArkel. Whether in Brooktondale or Zephyrhills, Florida, where they spent their winters, Bea poured her heart into her community and the people in it. She enthusiastically participated in the annual community center pie bees, donated a new steeple for the Brooktondale Baptist Church, spent time visiting lonely neighbors, or simply lent an empathetic ear. Her life-long connectedness to Brooktondale led to her role as an unofficial historian and archivist for the community through her collection and preservation of photographs, articles, and stories that captured the essence of her town’s history. She was a trusted keeper of the past.

Bea’s passion for life was evident through her endless hobbies. Always on the move, you could find her gardening, traveling, one-stroke painting, hunting, playing cards, quilling, walking Six Mile Creek, cooking, or baking. She took such pride in sharing these interests with her kids and grandkids. But her greatest joys in life came from hosting her loved ones, baking pies, and creating meals that brought people together. Bea’s home was always open and, to her, there was no such thing as a stranger. She was eager to invite you to her dining room table to share a cup of coffee, a slice of pie, and good conversation. Her quick wit, sense of humor, and one-liners would undoubtedly make you laugh, but might also make you blush.

Bea’s life was a testament to the power of selflessness, resilience, and devotion to leaving a place better than she found it. She leaves a profound legacy of kindness that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. The best way anyone can honor her memory is to give more than you take, have gratitude for the simple things, embody the values of a good neighbor, and never turn down a slice of watermelon.

She is survived by her dear Elmer VanArkel; her children, Judy (Jerry) Zappia, Tom (Karen) Raponi, Jim Raponi, and David (Deanna) Raponi; her grandchildren, Teresa (Mark) Sinicropi, John (Madelynn) Zappia, Nicholas Raponi, Shelby Raponi, James (Paula) Puglisi, Todd Raponi, Curt Raponi, Matthew (Carrie) Raponi, and Heather (Paul) Vallone; 12 great-grandchildren, a large extended family, and many beloved friends. She also leaves a community built upon her contributions, forever changed by her positive impact.

Bea is predeceased by Pat Raponi; her parents; brothers Alfred, Charlie, and Fred; and her grandson, Chris Puglisi.

Our family is incredibly grateful to the loving and supportive care team that assisted with Bea’s care over the last few years.

A celebration of Bea’s life will be held on Saturday, November 23 at 2pm at Caroline Valley Community Church at 546 Valley Rd., Brooktondale, NY, where family and friends are invited to honor her legacy of love and service. Calling hours will be held on Friday, November 22 from 4pm-6pm at Bangs Funeral Home at 209 W Green St., Ithaca, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in her name to the Brooktondale Fire Department.

Although we already miss her warmth in our lives, we find comfort in knowing that Bea is home with her beloved Lord. Rest in peace, dear Gram. You were the fabric of our family and a true example to us all; your impact will be felt for generations.