Obituary of Beatrice Hunter

Beatrice Patricia Hunter Elwood, 93, peacefully passed away after a short illness on Thursday, January 14th, 2016, while residing at Sundale Nursing Home. Beatrice "Bea" was born in Morgantown, WV on December 10, 1922, daughter of the late Talindo Bonfili and Pierina Peppetti Bonfili. She attended West Virginia University where she obtained a Master's Degree in Social Work, an occupation that she dearly loved and practiced during her working years. During World War II, Bea was employed by the American Red Cross in Washington D.C., where she performed various social work duties and was a volunteer at a local hospital where she wrapped bandages for wounded soldiers. Upon returning to the Fairmont area, Bea worked as a Social Worker at the Fairmont Clinic and later she was employed by Valley Community Mental Health Center (now Valley Healthcare Systems) from 1968-1988, when she retired. She loved sports, especially football, tennis and golf. Bea loved to travel, having visited several countries in Europe and Asia while learning about other cultures. She also enjoyed going on cruises and attending opera and theater. She was an accomplished artist, especially enjoying painting in water colors. Bea also was an avid reader. She was active in the Women's League of Voters and, following her retirement, served on the Board of Directors of Valley Healthcare Systems. Bea is survived by her children; Leslie Hunter, Amy Hunter, Sarah Hunter, Charles J. (Marilyn) Elwood of Chicago, IL, and John (Peggy) Elwood of Stoney Brook, NY; grandchildren, Adam Hunter, Rachel Applebaum, David Applebaum, Megan Elwood and Kara Elwood;14 nieces and nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by special friends Drs. Ruth and Joe Panepinto. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husbands, Jack Rhudy, Murray B. Hunter and Harry Elwood; brothers, Eramatti "Ben" Bonfili and wife, Adaline Zara Bonfili, Dominick Bonfili and wife Barbara Davis Bonfili, Tobia "William" Bonfili, Talindo "Chee" Bonfili, Victor T. Bonfili; sister, Antoinette "Ode" Bonfili Sorrenti and husband John Sorrenti. The family wishes to thank the staff of The Village at Heritage Point, where Bea resided prior to her admission to Sundale Nursing Home. Special thanks are extended to the staff at Sundale Nursing Home, where Bea received excellent care and loving attention. In accordance with her wishes cremations services will be provided by Omega Crematory, Hastings Funeral Home. Friends and family will be received at Heritage Point, Saturday, March 19th from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the Memorial Service at 11:00a.m. Inurnment will follow at East Oak Grove Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in "Bea's memory to Sundale Nursing Home, 800 J. D. Anderson Drive, Morgantown, WV 26505. Send condolences online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.