WATERLOO — Beatrice "Aunt Bea" Margaret O'Brien Contant, 88, of Virginia Street, died January 22, 2013, peacefully at her home. There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be 10 a.m. Saturday Jan. 26 at Waterloo United Methodist Church. Rev. Thomas Easttey, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery in Waterloo.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Waterloo United Methodist Church, 21 E. William St., Waterloo, NY, 13165.
Beatrice was born Nov. 27, 1924, in Buffalo, the daughter of Edward T. and Clara Olson O'Brien. She graduated from East High School in 1942 and from Cornell University, School of Home Economics in 1945. Upon graduation, she was hired by Waterloo Central School to teach Home Economics. It was there that she met the love of her life, Allen E. Contant. They were married on Dec. 23, 1946. Beatrice later earned her Masters of Education degree in 1957. Beatrice was always active in the Waterloo United Methodist Church where she was in charge of the Altar Flower committee and in many community activities. At the time of her death she was the Village Historian, a member of Research Club, Phi Beta Psi Sorority, Eastern Stars, the Taylor Brown Hospital Auxiliary and Bridge Club. She loved her work with the Celebrate/Commemorate Committee heading up the group that gives historical tours of the village. Previously she volunteered at the Woman's Hall of Fame researching and writing biographies. She also served as the Director of Museums in Waterloo for almost 9 years. She worked very hard to clean and update Terwilliger Museum and was instrumental in the development of displays at the Memorial Day Museum.
She is survived by her daughter, Constance (Perrin) Knapp of Mooers; daughter-in-law, Patricia Contant of Baldwinsville; grandchildren, Andrea Knapp and her companion, Bryce Gadway of Superior, CO, Christie Knapp and her fiance, Matthew Curry of Knoxville, Tenn., Katherine Contant of Rocky Hill, Conn., Nicole Contant and Kimberly Contant both of Baldwinsville; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Allen E. Contant Nov. 15, 1982, and her son: Jim Contant May 1, 1996; and brothers, William and Edward.
Condolences may be left for the family at coegenungfuneralhome.com
