Theresa Marie Beagle

Upon graduation from Rome Free Academy, Theresa pursued a career in nursing. She enrolled in the Utica State Hospital School of Nursing. Part of her training brought her to New York City where she acquired experience at Bellevue Hospital. After completion of their program, she was employed by the State of New York at Utica State Hospital as a registered nurse. Theresa worked hard and was dedicated to providing compassionate health and psychiatric care to the individuals who resided at the facility. Along the way, Theresa enrolled at Utica College, an extension of Syracuse University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Her efforts brought promotions to her and by the end of her career, she had obtained the position as the director of nursing. By the 1990’s the facility had been renamed Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center. She managed two campuses, holding administrative leadership responsibility for several hundred nurses and mental health therapy aides. Theresa’s progressive thinking changed the format of the hospital’s environment. She created a natural setting for the residents, changing hospital furniture, clothing, experiences, and activities in effort to deinstitutionalize and normalize an individual’s thinking. Patients responded favorably and showed great progress as a result. Outside of her work day, Theresa was also an instructor for a nurse’s aide training program and led one of the first DWI courses required by the State of New York.

Theresa enjoyed cooking and baking. She especially enjoyed preparing foods that were familiar to her through her Italian heritage and sharing those foods with friends and family. She and her husband, Don, were longtime parishioners of St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Binghamton, New York. They volunteered countless hours in many capacities. Food and her generosity were the ways that she ministered to others. They also donated their time to local theaters and to the local public television network, especially during fundraising time. Theresa and Don enjoyed traveling and were blessed to be able to visit several continents and countries. Her favorite memories came from the times they spent in Italy, recalling the beauty and the genuine authenticity of the foods they experienced.

Theresa’s greatest accomplishment was the family that she had. On October 1, 1955, she married the love of her life, Donald Eugene Beagle. Her husband, Don, preceded her in death on August 29, 2018. Their surviving family includes a son, Donn, of Stevenson Ranch, California, and a daughter, Cindy, of Holly Springs, North Carolina. Theresa is also survived by her son-in-law, Larry; granddaughter, Kristen (Angelo); grandson, Stephen; great-grandchildren, Rocco and Luciana; brother, David; sister-in-law, Donna; and two special nephews, Jeff and Keef. She is also survived by many other nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart. Theresa was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Tony and Rosemary.

Theresa leaves behind a legacy to all those who knew her. Throughout her life, she worked hard at caring and providing for others. We are truly grateful for the example she set. She will be greatly missed, but we take comfort in the knowledge that we do not mourn like those who have no hope.