On Wednesday, April 15, 2020 Birsen Keresteci passed away peacefully at the age of 88. Birsen was born on July 9, 1931 in Turkey and is the eldest of six siblings. She attended Robert College in Istanbul and worked for many years for Phizer Pharmaceuticals. Known to everyone as ‘Aunt Bea’ she was the true matriarch of our family in every sense of the word. She never married yet was a mother to all of us. Her unconditional love and strong faith taught us all what is really important in life. Relationship, love, and God. Birsen was preceded in death by her parents, Vasfiye and Husnu. She is survived by her siblings - Ozel, Yalcin, Tuzel, Tuzi and Inci and countless nieces, nephews (grand, great-grand and great-great grand too)! Aunt Bea’s wish to all would be to enjoy the memories, smile and laugh, and be at peace! In her words ‘My Dear, don’t worry!’. Her spirit lives in each one of us and for that we are grateful.
