Beatrice Johnson

Beatrice Sylvia Johnson, 93, passed peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. She was the beloved wife and constant companion of the late Milton B. Johnson, Jr. Born March 19, 1933, in New Bedford, MA, she was the devoted daughter of the late John S. Sylvia and Idalina (Goncalves) Sylvia and sister to the late Mary Mitchell, Sylvester Sylvia, John Sylvia and Joseph Sylvia.

A graduate of New Bedford High School, Beatrice went on to work at Cornish Insurance and was a longtime employee at Lumiansky Insurance Agency in New Bedford. She later worked at Bristol County Agricultural Extension Service in Dighton and retired from the Bristol County sheriff's office. Many of her coworkers became lifelong friends. In her later years and in retirement, she was the first smiling face anyone met when they entered her husband Milt's accounting and tax preparation office in Fairhaven. Staying informed about government and politics was an important part of her family's DNA, and for many years, she helped her brothers through all of their campaigns.

Her warmth, kindness and three successful battles with cancer were the inspiration for the Relay For Life team, The Loving Bees, which raised money to help find a cure for cancer. Bea appreciated the time and effort her friends and family gave to this cause for so many years.

Bea was a communicant of St. Mary's Parish in Fairhaven, where she attended faithfully with her dear friends, in particular her closest friend Natalie Sheffield. They enjoyed each other's company during lunches and talked often.

Known to many as "Aunt Bea," Beatrice had so many beloved nieces and nephews throughout the United States and in Madeira, Portugal, with whom she communicated often. She loved traveling, especially to Madeira with her children and Florida with Milt and their grandchildren. She was loved by many for her ability to listen and for the unconditional love she offered throughout her life. She always enjoyed turning a chance encounter with a stranger into a personal relationship and never turned down an invitation to breakfast, lunch, or shopping with friends.

In her later years and for three wonderful months this past summer, Bea spent her time at the family cottage on Sconticut Neck in Fairhaven (affectionately referred to as "the Bea Hive"). She loved any opportunity to bring her family and friends together, and the Bea Hive did just that during the summer months.

Beatrice is survived by Debra Duff and her husband Robert Duff of Fairhaven; John DeSimas and his partner Carol Medeiros of Fairhaven; and Richard Johnson and his wife Louise Johnson of Fairhaven. She also lovingly remembered Stephen Johnson, who predeceased her.

She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren James DeSimas of Los Angeles, California; Michael Johnson of Summerville, South Carolina; Mark Johnson of New Bedford; Shawn Johnson of New Bedford; Jayme Duff of Acushnet; Michelle Pacheco of Westport; Kristina Besse of Fairhaven; and many great-grandchildren whom she adored, including Samantha, Christopher, Dylan, Erik, Ethan, and Julia.

Beatrice's family would like to extend their thanks to the many thoughtful friends and family members who checked in and visited her recently and who loved and supported her throughout her life. They also want to thank the caring and compassionate healthcare staff of the SICU at St. Luke's Hospital, especially the wonderful staff in the Knowles unit, who treated her and her family with the utmost care and compassion; and the caring and supportive staff at both Southcoast Hospice and Regan Care Partners, who helped care for Beatrice throughout her final journey.

Beatrice's Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2026, at St. Mary's Church in Fairhaven at 10:00 AM. Burial to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Beatrice's memory to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or by going to American Cancer Society/donate.