Beatrice R Guillow

NORWICH – Beatrice “Bea” Guillow, 65, died unexpectedly on Monday at home. Born in Miami, FL to Bernard and Elizabeth (Badenbach) Ostfeld, she was raised in New London, Waterford, and Niantic, CT, graduating from New London High School in 1967.

She attended the CT College School of Dance, studying modern dance, and learned ballet from her father, a famous ballet master and choreographer. Beatrice continued her education at Mitchell College, studying social work, and the University of Heidelberg, in Germany, studying operatic voice.

Beatrice resided in East Lyme and Niantic, working for many years at the Natural Food Store, which her mother, Elizabeth, founded and operated from 1976 to 1986. After that, Beatrice moved to Norwich, CT, which she made her permanent residence.

She worked at The Iron Skillet Restaurant and Goodwill Industries, and volunteered at the St. Vincent DePaul’s Hope Thrift Shop and Soup Kitchen for several years. She was an active member of Rose City Baptist Church, in Norwich, and regularly worshipped there for years with her brothers and sisters in Christ.

Beatrice enjoyed frequent walks, singing, dancing, watching movies, and listening to music, especially jazz. She loved to spend time with her family and friends. Her compassionate, caring, and generous spirit was felt by many in the Norwich community.

She is survived by a sister, Doris Vanhorn of Orlando, FL, a brother, Ludwig Ostfeld, of East Lyme, CT., her beloved daughter, Elicia Roy, and son-in-law, Bobby Roy, as well as twin grandsons, Christopher and Joshua Roy.

She will be greatly missed by many friends from the Norwich area, who were touched by her many acts of kindness.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, at 11am, at Church & Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem St., Norwich, CT. Burial will be private, at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, it is the desire of Beatrice that memorial contributions be sent to Rose City Baptist Church, 579 Scotland Road, Norwich, CT 06360, or to St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen, 120 Cliff St., Norwich, CT 06360.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.churchandallen.com