Beatrice “Bea” Marie Wichlenski, of Clearwater, Florida passed away on August 27, 2016 at the age of 87. Beatrice was born on April 10, 1929 to the late John and Stephanie Wisneski. Bea became a Wave in the United States Navy in 1952. Many memorable things happened to Bea while serving in the Navy, some of which included working with the Blue Angels and meeting the love of her life, William P. Wichlenski while stationed in Pensacola, whom she married in 1957. That same year she was honorably discharged as a TE3 and had received both the National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. Bea and her family lived in vast places across the world while her husband was stationed in the Navy. Such places include Guam, Scotland, Alaska, Key West, Puerto Rico, and Morocco. She shared oceans of memories with her two sons and husband traveling the world, ones of which she loved to talk and reminisce about with her family today. Bea enjoyed staying active and played softball and joined a bowling league in her early life. Later on she took up golf and played regularly with her friends. Her family will always remember her baking and love of animals. Every holiday felt like home being spent at her house surrounded by comfort and exuberance. Bea rescued several dogs throughout the years, most recently she adopted and cherished a dog named April. Her heart was made of gold.
Bea is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, William P. Wichlenski, Sr.; her sons, William Wichlenski, Jr. and his wife Terry, of Largo, FL and Gregory Wichlenski of Tampa, FL; her grandchildren, Paige and William Wichlenski III, both of Largo, FL.
A funeral mass is being planned at Our Lady of Good Hope; Old Roman Catholic Church 5501 62nd Ave. N., Pinellas Park, FL 33781 on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 with a private family visitation at 5:00 pm, public visitation at 5:30 pm, and the funeral mass beginning at 6:30 pm. The funeral mass will be led by Archbishop John J. Humphreys.
Bea Wichlenski will be buried at our nations most hallowed grounds, Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, VA at a date that is still to be determined. The United States Navy will be providing military honors.
In lieu of flowers the family has asked that memorial contribution be made to your favorite animal shelter.
Friends and family are invited to share a memory and sign her guestbook below.
I love Bea and I will always remember her for her strength in her love of her family and in her faith.
Aunt Bea will be forever in our hearts. We will miss our conversations on the phone they were always entertaining. Love and prayers, Marc and Linda Wichlenski
My deepest sympathy to Uncle Bill and family. Aunt Bea was full of spirit,love and devoted to her family and friends. I am blessed having known her. With love, Cathy
Greg & family, so sorry for your loss. I pray God give you all strength during this time of sorrow. Greg, continue telling great stories about your parents like you do, and it will help ease the pain. God bless you all.
My prayers and condolences go out to Bill and the family. The passing of Bea will leave a hole in our hearts as well as wonderful memories. I will never forget her many phone calls, and if had left a message, she called as soon as she entered the door. For at least 30 years she has been a part of our little group of girls at Burger King and other social events. She will be so missed. She used to tell her life stories which made us laugh. We used to tease her about being the perfect wife with a perfect husband and family. I will miss that so much. I know that now she is with the Lord and has met up with her parents and those gone before her. I praise the Lord for that, however I will miss her so much.
Sending much love to all of you! I have so many memories that will stay close to my heart. Sending love and sympathy to all who love you Aunt Bea. You may rest in peace knowing how you loved and touched your family. Love from Long Island
Maryan Matty and Francis
Our deepest condolences to Bill and family on the loss of Bea! We love Bea and will miss her greatly. The vast emptiness we will all most certainly feel without her will only be calmed through the faith and trust in our Lord, that one day we will be reunited and laugh with Bea once again! Bill and Bea stories and jokes were always something we looked forward to…they should write a book! Bea had a very quick wit and wonderful sense of humor that will be sorely missed. Thank you Bea for being Godmother to Jaden. Thank you for opening your heart to us and sharing so many precious moments. We love you for always. Vaya con Dios mi Amiga!