NORWICH – Beatrice M. Brazee Usher, 74, of Norwich, passed away Wednesday morning, Feb. 16, 2011, at her home, with her family at her side.
Bea was born in South Plymouth in October of 1936, and was the daughter of Jesse and Waneta (Wilson) Brazee. She lived her entire life in the Norwich and Pharsalia area and was a 1954 graduate of the South Otselic school. Over the years, she had worked for the Norwich Shoe Co., the Norwich Pharmaceutical Co., Cheseboro Ponds, and lastly, for Electron Coil from which she retired. In addition to her busy working career, Bea also provided childcare to several area children as well as to her own grandchildren. In her quiet, at home time, Bea enjoyed gardening, was an excellent cook and baker, loved hosting family picnics and holiday dinners, and enjoyed collecting dolls and pencil sharpeners. Above all else, she especially loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
On July 16, 1977, Bea married the love of her life, Barry Usher, and together they made their home on Whaupaunaucau Road.
Besides her loving husband of 33 years, Barry, Bea is survived by her children and their spouses: Larry and Reatha Bishop of Oxford, Kathy and Jack Crawford of Sherburne, and Mike and Debby Bishop of Norwich; her grandchildren: Michael Bishop, Tara Bishop Dalton, Melissa Bishop Beckwith, Ryan Bishop, Sarah Crawford, Aaron Crawford, Eric Bishop, Chris Bishop, Amanda and Christina Stiles, Denny Jr., and Stephanie Bishop; and her great grandchildren: Judson and Audra Dalton, Joshua and Adam Beckwith, Dallas and Eric Jr. Bishop, and Appollonia Stockton. Also surviving are her sisters and brother: Millie French of Norwich, Evelyn Mock of Georgia, Joyce Donnelly of Smyrna, Darlene Manwarren of Plymouth, and David Brazee of East Hamilton; her sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Bob Betz and Richard Usher all of Earlville. In addition to her family, Bea is survived by special friends Chris and Jim Fowlston, Harriet, Corine, Arietta, Barbara, and Charlotte; her former classmates and the “McDonald’s Gang,” a very special friend, Shelly Graham, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other special friends. She was predeceased by her sons, James “Hank” and Dennis Bishop; her brothers: Francis, Daniel, Frank, Charles, and Jesse Brazee; her sisters: Barbara Law, Arlene Dunn, and Charlotte Waller; her parents, Waneta and Jesse Brazee; and in-laws, Lucy and Roland Usher.
Funeral services for Bea will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Stephen Reese, Pastor of the Columbus Community Church, will officiate. Interment will be at a later date in the South Plymouth Cemetery.
Friends may call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Saturday from 5-8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, 21 Hayes St., Norwich, NY 13815; Norwich Volunteer Fire Dept., 31 East Main St., Norwich, NY 13815; the American Heart Assoc., Hearts Gifts processing Center, P. O. Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220; and American Cancer Society, 13 Beech St., Johnson City, NY 13790.