Obituary of Beatrice A. Stio

Rensselaer - On Sunday, September 19, Beatrice Stio, known to friends as “Bea” and “Betty,” passed away at St. Peter’s Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Bea was 92. 

Bea was born on February 16, 1929 in Hollis, Queens, to John and Beatrice (Brown) Schnakenberg. On February 24, 1952, Bea married Frank M. Stio.  They raised three children, Lorna, Lenore, and Jack. 

Bea cherished memories of her childhood years living “down Atlantic Beach,” where she spent summer days at the shore with her extended family, playing in the waves with cousins, and eating lunch at her grandmother’s store. Bea loved the beach, and she passed on this love to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

When her children were young, Bea was active in the PTA, and served as Girl Scout Leader. Bea played in a bowling league, volunteered at the East Greenbush Community Library, and enjoyed traveling with her husband Frank who performed in the Tri-County Banjo Band. 

Bea was an avid reader and fan of classic movies. She also loved games and puzzles.  Bea enjoyed playing Spoons and Pictionary with her grandchildren; Hoot Owl Hoot and Scoop-Up with her great-grandchildren; and Rummicube and Dominoes with her many friends at Eastwyck. 

Bea was preceded in death by her husband Frank, her father John, her mother Beatrice, and her sister Joan Krpata.  She is survived by her sister Doris Schnakenberg; children Lorna Stio, Lenore Laier, and Jack Stio; grandchildren Caroline Buff, Nellie (John) Barker, and Abigail Laier; great-grandchildren William Barker and Celeste Buff; and many nieces and nephews.

A service will be held on Friday, September 24, 2021 at the W.J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer at 12:00PM.  Relatives and friends are invited and may call prior to the service from 10:00AM -12:00PM.   Donations may be made to the North Greenbush Ambulance Association.