Philomena Beardsley Yonkers, New York Obituary

Philomena Beardsley

<p>Philomena P. Beardsley, born Philomena Pecora, passed away at the age of 100 years on May 25, 2023. Philomena, known lovingly as Mena to her friends and family, was born on April 25, 1923, to Michael and Luisa (DeVita) Pecora in Yonkers, New York. Mena was predeceased by her husband Dr. Robert E. Beardsley, Sr., who passed away in 2010. Mena is survived by her daughters Luisa Riley and Margaret Beardsley, both of Yonkers, and son Robert E. Beardsley, Jr., of Florida. Mena has a special place in the hearts of her grandchildren: Amanda Riley of Yonkers, Meghan (Beardsley) Morse of Virginia, Charles Morse of North Carolina, James Riley of Bermuda, Anne Beardsley of Brooklyn, and Dr. Thomas Beardsley of Florida, and her great grandchildren: Mikey, Mia, Aria, Eve, Maddox, and Sam. Mena loved and was loved by her son-in-law Richard Riley and daughter-in-law Mary (Dircks) Beardsley. Mena is also predeceased by sisters, Tulia Ricci and Louise Williams and brothers, Peter and Dr. David Pecora. The Pecora clan has an extensive history in Yonkers, and many of Mena’s cousins, nieces, and nephews will miss her love of family and connecting.</p><p><br></p><p>Mena lived in Yonkers her entire life, wintering in Port Orange, FL for some time later in life. She graduated from Gorton High School and later Columbia School of Dental Hygiene. The latter was held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel on Pearl Harbor Day in 1941. Mena enjoyed a successful career as a dental hygienist and dental tech for many decades in Yonkers. She was also active in the Cross County Power Squadron and a parishioner of St. Eugene’s since the 1950s.</p><p><br></p><p>Mena was full of fun and loved meeting everyone and everything she came near in her long life, whether it be a person or an animal. Her husband more than once noted Mena never went anywhere without adding a “friend” in the process. Mena loved playing the slots, building an extensive network of friends who had the same sense of fun, and she stayed very active, driving her own vehicle well into her 90s. The entire family enjoyed her during her year living in Paris, and, as she did everywhere, she built an extensive network of friends who, like her, were learning French, needed a friend to talk to, and visit the city of lights with. It should be noted that Mena not only learned French but proudly proclaimed she “spoke all languages” when visiting the Pecora clan in Agropoli, Italy.</p><p><br></p><p>Mena’s last years were made comfortable and loving by the special attention she got from “her angels," her daughter Luisa Riley and granddaughter, Amanda Riley, and she wished everyone to know that. The family also wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to her long-time caretaker Victoria, as well as the family members, aides, healthcare workers, dear friends, and neighbors of Mena who tirelessly cared for her, visited her bedside, and telephoned her regularly to cheer her spirits and to those who kept her close in prayer. We are forever grateful for your part in her amazing, long journey.</p><p><br></p>
May 25, 202305/25/2023
Share Obituary:

Share a memory

Add to your memory
Photos/Video
Candle
Mementos

Tribute wall

Plant a tree in memory of Philomena

An environmentally friendly option
C
Claire (Pecora) Briscoe
May 29, 2023
My fondest memories of Aunt Mena were when I would be sitting in her dental hygentist chair all throughout my childhood and up until she retired -(Dr. Gauge was our fav!) We always had great chats - cause we both loved to talk!! :)

I also have fun memories of lunch ...
Continue Reading
m
meghanleemorse@gmail.com
May 28, 2023
m
meghanleemorse@gmail.com
May 28, 2023
a
amanda.riley@gmail.com
May 27, 2023
a
amanda.riley@gmail.com
May 27, 2023
a
amanda.riley@gmail.com
May 27, 2023
a
amanda.riley@gmail.com
May 27, 2023
a
amanda.riley@gmail.com
May 27, 2023
a
amanda.riley@gmail.com
May 27, 2023
a
amanda.riley@gmail.com
May 27, 2023