Beatrice Sullivan McDevitt

Rye - Sitting at the piano bench, humming the music of an Oscar Hammerstein song with her family by her side was a great day for Bea McDevitt! Bea passed away on January 5 surrounded by her children and family. Beatrice was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts on May 4, 1932. The third of Daniel and Bea Sullivan’s five children, she is predeceased by her beloved siblings; brother Donal and sisters Kathleen and Ann. Her devoted older sister Alice was her lifelong-companion and best friend and was, once again, by her side during her passing. She attended Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart graduating in 1951. She was an active alumnus and served on the Alumni Board. Bea then attended Bridgewater State University where she was Class President in her senior year and graduated with a degree in education in 1955. Bea met and fell in love with George McDevitt at Rye Beach where their families were neighbors. They married on April 11, 1955 and began their family journey in Montecito, California where George was stationed in the U. S. Army. They quickly moved back to Massachusetts living in Holliston and then Wellesley where the Shirley Road neighborhood became their treasured community. Bea transitioned from full-time mother to the Wellesley public school system as a teacher’s aide. For over 30 years, she worked tirelessly with learning-challenged students bringing an untiring compassion and a formidable sense of duty. George and Bea’s continued love and connection to Rye was inspiring and filled their years with joy. As early caretakers of 15 F Street they faithfully assisted a Sullivan O’Dowd family legacy with deep dedication. It was there that George drowned at Rye Beach, their heaven on earth, on September 4, 1995. Her quiet strength was never more evident; a genuine demonstration of inner capacity and faith. She was a nurturing, loyal and unfaltering friend, colleague, teacher, neighbor, mentor and cheerleader to a vast and loving collection of people that were a central part of her daily life. The impact she had was notable to all but the purpose from where it came was purely selfless. The true riches and rewards of Bea’s life were her children and grandchildren. Her five boys and one girl were the source of her purposefulness and “active duty.” As a parent she was the most affectionate mother and unconditional champion. She was always there to celebrate any and all moments of accomplishment and never far away when the challenges of life were unmet. She was Grambea to her cherished grandchildren. Her engaging nature and unyielding patience were relentless. From spirited Easter egg hunts, to peaceful treasure hunting for sea glass on the beach, to apple checkers at the kitchen table, Grambea delighted in the gift of family and demonstrated faithful gratitude always. Bea is survived by her children and spouses, grandchildren and great-grand child; George, Jr. and Sue McDevitt of Rochester, New Hampshire (Tim, Connor and Harlow Bea), Dan and Ginger McDevitt of Scarsdale, New York (Olivia) , John and Polly McDevitt of Greenland, New Hampshire (Sarah, Allison, Casey, Molly and Johnny), Lynne and T.J. Palmer of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire (TJ, jr., Jessica and Brady), Jim and Amy McDevitt of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire (Michael, Alexandra and Julia), and Tom and Amy Lynn McDevitt of Wells, Maine (Jack). Her sister, Alice Sullivan Hart of Salisbury, Massachusetts and devoted cousin Mary Alice O’Dowd of Rye Beach, New Hampshire. A public wake will be held on Sunday, January 12th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Remick & Gendron Funeral Home, 811 Lafayette Road, Hampton, New Hampshire. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, January 13th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 820 Central Road, Rye Beach, New Hampshire. Donations may be directed to Catholic Charities New Hampshire by clicking here.

Beatrice Sullivan McDevitt

May 4, 1932 - January 5, 2025