Bea was a highly cultivated, musically talented, music aficionado, seasoned world traveler, and philanthropist who lived in a suite at The Hearth at Drexel in Bala Cynwyd, overlooking the woods. There, it felt as if she is lived in a tree house, surrounded by original paintings and her electronic piano keyboard. She loved to share her passion for music and stories of her travels with residents of The Hearth. She chuckled when she discussed the last time that she visited Italy and hiked the Cinque Terre with her son.

Bea worked for many years as a music educator in the Philadelphia Public Schools. She treasures The Hearth at Drexel’s Music Therapy program.

“My son was concerned that the terrain was a bit challenging, with all of those winding paths running between the five villages, along the Ligurian Sea to one side, and the steep, jagged cliffs on the other side,” said Bea, smiling, with a twinkle in her eye.

After living for many years on Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia, PA, Bea moved to The Hearth in 2021. She was an avid pianist, a former music educator in the Philadelphia Public Schools for 23 years, and a volunteer guide at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. She was also well known in philanthropic circles for having been the former Chairman of the Board for the Friends of Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia.

I like engaging other residents’ musical interests. They have such an active music therapy program here that many residents enjoy and appreciate. Music can most certainly uplift, inspire and heal.

Bea, The Hearth at Drexel resident

She was far too humble to reveal her many contributions to the cultural life of Philadelphia, but several in particular are part of the public record. In 2002, she endowed the Dr. Samuel R. and Beatrice S. Rossman Fellowship and sponsored many students at Curtis Institute of Music, including the pianist Lang Lang.

In 2003, Bea was the distinguished Honoree at the National Philanthropy Day Awards, and in 2004, Curtis presented their Annual Fund Award to her at the Stowkoski Society Dinner.

Bea especially enjoyed attending the marvelous concerts at The Church of the Holy Trinity, right off the Square, and wish I could share those concert experiences with residents here.”

Bea pursued her musical interests at The Hearth, where she enjoyed playing the piano in her suite. “I like engaging other residents’ musical interests,” she explained, adding, “The Hearth at Drexel have such an active music therapy program here that many residents enjoy and appreciate. Music can most certainly uplift, inspire, and heal.”

With her musical passions, world-traveling expertise, and never-ending joie de vie, Bea was truly an inspiration to everyone who met her.

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