In loving memory of Beatrice D’Elia - Obituary Baldwin Brothers

Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Beatrice Commarata Klug D’Elia, a cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who left us at the age of 87. After a short but difficult struggle with various illnesses, we are grateful that she is at peace.

Her family knew her as Bea Bea, Grandma Bea, Gigi, Aunt Bea, and Ma. Friends called her Queen Bea, the life of the party, a pistol, and a firecracker. Always armed with quips and zingers, she kept everyone laughing.

Born and raised in a lively Italian-American home in Caldwell, New Jersey, she was one of five siblings who cherished the values of family, hard work, love, and humor. Bea attended Grover Cleveland High School, where she excelled in academics and athletics, and eventually served as president of the student council. In her Junior year, Bea met and fell in love with Edward Klug. They married and raised four children. Bea remembered her life in New Jersey fondly and loved to share stories about mud-covered sons returning home after a day at the turtle pond, visiting her cousin at Seaside Heights, pitching for her community softball team, and her days working for RCA Records.

In 1970, the family moved to Pompano, Florida, searching for a fresh start. She met lifelong friends at the Italian Villa, where she worked as a server for 15 years to make sure her kids’ needs were met. After a few tumultuous years while living in Margate, FL, she and Ed divorced, leaving her with the challenge of supporting four children with little help. Over time, her three eldest children each left and made their way in the world, so Bea had only her youngest child at home.

What Bea didn’t know was that her New Jersey family were making a match. Josephine (sister) and her friend Laura conspired to encourage Laura’s brother to visit The Villa and ask to sit in Bea’s section. One evening, a dapper Italian man – Ralph – came in to The Villa, looked up from his menu, and was smitten by his server.

At first, Bea was resistant to Ralph’s dinner invitations, because she was now working full time in the Publix deli, taking care of the house, and raising an 11-year-old. The family jokes about his persistence and how “he wore her down”, and she finally agreed to a date. They were married on December 8, 1978.

Life changed quickly for Bea after marrying Ralph. The small family moved to Coral Springs, Florida and opened a furniture business. Bea and Ralph spent many years cruising to the tropics, taking in shows in Las Vegas, and visiting family across the country. Sadly, Ralph developed dementia which eventually led them to move to Lake Mary, Florida, where they could be close to family. Bea became an active resident in her community of The Forest, and where she had many dear friends. She took care of Ralph until his death on November 5, 2014.

Bea was an avid beach-lover and spend countless days watching her kids and grandkids play in the sand, chase the birds, and hunt for shells. Bea would sometimes take a few minutes to herself and float on her back staring at the clouds, enjoying the peaceful churn of the ocean. She believed that there was nothing that the sun and salt water couldn’t heal.

Bea was preceded in death by parents Patrina (“Katie”) and Michael Commarata; siblings Mary Gazdalski, Ann Russell, Josephine Busse, and Michael Commarato; former spouse, Edward Klug, Sr.; and her beloved “Ralphie”, Ralph D’Elia. She is survived by her children, Edward Klug (Kathy), Kenneth Klug (Jenny), Barbara McGee (Richard), and Janet Walker (Curtis); grandchildren Jason Klug, Steven McGee, Justin McGee, Kelly Novic, Corey Hood, Kyle Klug, Savannah Walker, and Alex Walker; and ten great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that family and friends make donations to the charity of their choice.