Beatrice Todd Perrell

Beatrice T. Perrell
December 31, 1916-January 5, 2017

Clear minded, strong spirited and full of grace Bea turned 100 years old Hogmanay (a Scottish term for New Year’s Eve), 2016. She was born in Detroit to Scottish immigrants William Edington and Eliza A. George . She had one sister and one brother. After her sister died and her mother became ill the family returned to Arbroath, Scotland when Bea was three. Shortly after their arrival her mother died and her father returned to the states. Bea and her brother lived in Scotland and were raised by two maiden aunts along with another child, Gladys who became her life long and loving friend. At the age of 11 Bea returned to Detroit to join her remarried father gaining one half brother and two stepsisters.

Returning to school in Detroit Bea was promoted one grade. She attended Southwestern H.S. and was a guard on the basketball team which won the championship 3 years in a row. Not surprising, Bea continued to exercise daily well into her 99th year; knee bends, arm weights and leg and foot exercises.

After H.S. graduation Bea worked as a cashier for J.L. Hudsons for five years. She then was employed as a supply analyst for the Federal government retiring after 25 years. She was married to John Perrell in 1946. After living most of her adult life in Detroit, and after her husband’s passing, she moved in 1980 to the Bradbury Condominiums in Plymouth to be close to her brother Jim and his wife where many a card game was enjoyed with family, and new and old friends. Beatrice also enjoyed traveling with her husband and they visited many states including Hawaii. With family and friends she made many trips ‘across the pond’ to visit Ireland and to visit her close friends in Scotland.

Bea was dedicated and meticulous about all things she undertook. At Bradbury she contributed much service and fun as Chairwoman and Co-Chairwoman of many committees. She organized rummage sales, card parties, craft workshops, fashion shows, holiday dinners, funeral luncheons, and entertainment nights. Bea also handled the Bradbury animal control regulations and the Bradbury clubhouse calendar, each for five years.

Bea was responsible for starting the Ladies Sewing Workshop at Bradbury. Using a doll pattern from her sister the Ladies sewed and stuffed 100s of dolls and pillows for children in hospitals over a ten year period. Up until the last five years when her eyesight failed, at home Bea always had the “needles going”. In the years between 2000 and 2012 alone Bea knitted or crocheted 850 baby caps for local hospitals, 344 lap robes for cancer patients, 1277 ski caps, 228 scarves, and 213 hats for the Salvation army. She was recognized by many associations for her gifts and for her service, using her talents for good.

The Tigers, Klondike Bars and chocolate cookies were three of Bea’s favorite things.

Along with many friends, Beatrice leaves behind her son, James L. Perrell of Westland, brother, Harold Edington of Cincinnati, and many loving nieces and nephews.

There will be a Funeral Service Tuesday, January 10, 11AM at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 S. Main St., Plymouth where friends may visit Monday from 3PM until 7PM. Burial services will take place Wenesday, 11AM at Oakview Cemetery in Royal Oak.