Obituary for Beatrice Mildred "Bede" Duni (Belfit)
Beatrice Duni, 1923 - 2024
With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Beatrice Mildred Belfit Duni, affectionately known as “Bede” or “Queen B.” She passed on the evening of Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the age of 100, in her home with her loving family beside her. A lifelong resident of Suffield, Bede was a testament to a century well-lived, defined by kindness, resilience, and a profound sense of community.
Bede was born in Suffield on December 3, 1923, to Thatcher George Belfit and Maida Stiles Belfit. After her father’s early death, her neighbors’ support played a pivotal role in her upbringing, shaping her into the compassionate, community-focused individual many came to admire. Bede's educational journey began at Suffield Academy and concluded with her graduation from Suffield High School, where she distinguished herself as the first captain of the cheerleading squad. A proud descendant of the Mayflower passengers and Connecticut's pioneering Stiles family, Bede's deep roots in Suffield's history influenced her life and work.
Bede’s career spanned over five decades in the Suffield school system, notably enhancing operations at the Agri-Science Center with her exceptional organizational skills. Beyond her professional achievements, Bede's community spirit shone through her volunteer work. She was a founding "Choir Mom" at the First Church of Christ, the regional coordinator for Girl Scout Cookies, and alongside her husband, Bill, supported the local soccer team to a state championship. Bede embodied the essence of service and the importance of being a helpful, caring neighbor.
Bede's life was deeply connected with that of her late husband, William 'Bill' Robert Duni. Together, they shared a lifetime filled with love, adventure, and dedication to Suffield. They experienced all of life's ups and downs, rejoicing in the happiness of raising their 4 children—Robert, Patricia, Sharon, and Thatcher (Tad)—and facing life's challenges with resilience.
Bede's wisdom often found its way into simple yet profound advice: "Go slow, take it easy, work hard, be careful, be neighborly, help each other." These words were not just sayings but a way of life that she embraced and encouraged others to follow.
Bede's legacy is carried forward by her 4 children, 8 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren who continue to draw inspiration from her remarkable life.
As we bid farewell to Bede, we celebrate the enduring impact of her century in Suffield—a legacy of kindness, perseverance, and the unwavering belief in the power of community. "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." Bede's spirit will forever guide and inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Suffield Agri-Science Center or Suffield Emergency Aid, reflecting Bede's lifelong commitment to education and her community.
Viewing will be held on Thursday, March 14, from 4 PM to 7 PM at Heritage Funeral Home, located at 1240 Mountain Rd, West Suffield. A viewing will take place at the same location on Friday, March 15, at 9 AM with a procession to the funeral service at 10AM at The First Church of Christ, located at 81 High Street, Suffield. Reception following in the Ebenezer Gay Room.
Family and Friends will gather on Saturday May 4, 2024 at Heritage Funeral Home for a calling hour from 10:00-11:00AM with a service at 11:00AM
We will process to West Suffield Cemetery for committal prayer service at: 11:15AM
Reception to follow
Online condolences please visit: www.SuffieldFuneralHome.com
With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Beatrice Mildred Belfit Duni, affectionately known as “Bede” or “Queen B.” She passed on the evening of Sunday, March 10, 2024, at the age of 100, in her home with her loving family beside her. A lifelong resident of Suffield, Bede was a testament to a century well-lived, defined by kindness, resilience, and a profound sense of community.
Bede was born in Suffield on December 3, 1923, to Thatcher George Belfit and Maida Stiles Belfit. After her father’s early death, her neighbors’ support played a pivotal role in her upbringing, shaping her into the compassionate, community-focused individual many came to admire. Bede's educational journey began at Suffield Academy and concluded with her graduation from Suffield High School, where she distinguished herself as the first captain of the cheerleading squad. A proud descendant of the Mayflower passengers and Connecticut's pioneering Stiles family, Bede's deep roots in Suffield's history influenced her life and work.
Bede’s career spanned over five decades in the Suffield school system, notably enhancing operations at the Agri-Science Center with her exceptional organizational skills. Beyond her professional achievements, Bede's community spirit shone through her volunteer work. She was a founding "Choir Mom" at the First Church of Christ, the regional coordinator for Girl Scout Cookies, and alongside her husband, Bill, supported the local soccer team to a state championship. Bede embodied the essence of service and the importance of being a helpful, caring neighbor.
Bede's life was deeply connected with that of her late husband, William 'Bill' Robert Duni. Together, they shared a lifetime filled with love, adventure, and dedication to Suffield. They experienced all of life's ups and downs, rejoicing in the happiness of raising their 4 children—Robert, Patricia, Sharon, and Thatcher (Tad)—and facing life's challenges with resilience.
Bede's wisdom often found its way into simple yet profound advice: "Go slow, take it easy, work hard, be careful, be neighborly, help each other." These words were not just sayings but a way of life that she embraced and encouraged others to follow.
Bede's legacy is carried forward by her 4 children, 8 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren who continue to draw inspiration from her remarkable life.
As we bid farewell to Bede, we celebrate the enduring impact of her century in Suffield—a legacy of kindness, perseverance, and the unwavering belief in the power of community. "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." Bede's spirit will forever guide and inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Suffield Agri-Science Center or Suffield Emergency Aid, reflecting Bede's lifelong commitment to education and her community.
Viewing will be held on Thursday, March 14, from 4 PM to 7 PM at Heritage Funeral Home, located at 1240 Mountain Rd, West Suffield. A viewing will take place at the same location on Friday, March 15, at 9 AM with a procession to the funeral service at 10AM at The First Church of Christ, located at 81 High Street, Suffield. Reception following in the Ebenezer Gay Room.
Family and Friends will gather on Saturday May 4, 2024 at Heritage Funeral Home for a calling hour from 10:00-11:00AM with a service at 11:00AM
We will process to West Suffield Cemetery for committal prayer service at: 11:15AM
Reception to follow
Online condolences please visit: www.SuffieldFuneralHome.com