Obituary of Beatrice J. Stearns

Beatrice Gatti Stearns, 80, of Maywood, NJ, died on December 29th, 2021. Born on May 26, 1941, Beatrice was the daughter of the late John and Antoinette (nee Christiano) Gatti of Hackensack, N.J. She grew up in Hackensack, attending Hackensack High School, followed by St. Francis Hospital Nursing School in Jersey City, NJ where she received her RN license. On April 25th, 1964 she married Thomas G. Stearns, Jr. from Rochelle Park, NJ and they moved to Maywood to start their family. Beatrice worked as a Registered Nurse for over 30 years, beginning her career at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck and retiring from Bergen Regional Hospital in Paramus. She was loved by co-workers and patients alike and is remembered for her loving and caring disposition and dedication to her profession. Beatrice is survived by her two dedicated sons, Thomas (Michelle) and Marc (Marsina) and brother-in-law Thomas Eckert. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 43 years, Thomas G. Stearns, Jr, her beloved sisters, Joyce Dizenzo and Joan Eckert, and her brother-in-law, Carmen 'Bob' Dizenzo. Beatrice adored her 3 nieces, whom she called the daughters she never had: Kim Failon (Brian), Susan Noaksson, Elizabeth Sorrell (Bryan), as well as her 3 nephews: Douglas Stearns, Michael Stearns (Victoria) and James (Melissa), and many great-nieces and nephews. Beatrice cherished her role as grandmother to her 4 beautiful grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Christopher, Margaret, and Rebecca and always looked forward to time spent with them. Beatrice will always be remembered for her generosity and giving spirit. She was creative and had a great eye for art and loved to share her artistic endeavors with others. Beatrice had a real passion for travel and relished in her many trips with friends in her later life. Finally, she was an amazing cook and shared this passion with family and friends. There are many tales of parties that she catered during her time at Bergen Regional and her coworkers often remarked that she missed her true calling. The reality is, whatever she did, she did with love and passion with the goal of bringing joy to others. Due to rising COVID-19 numbers, the family has decided to have a private ceremony and will be holding a celebration of Beatrice's life in the near future. Donations may be given to either the American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/) or the American Diabetes Association (https://www.diabetes.org/).