Beatrice (Simos) Syner

Beatrice “Bea” (Simos) Syner, 91, of Agawam and formerly of Springfield, passed away on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Bea was born in Far Rockaway, Long Island, NY on April 19, 1930, the daughter of the late Angelo and Helen (Stathis) Simos. She graduated from Springfield’s Technical High School in 1947 and has served for many years on the Class Reunion Committee. Bea worked as a telephone operator/switchboard dispatcher for the Springfield Police Department for 27 years, retiring in 1993. She also worked prior to that, then concurrently, for Wesson Women’s Hospital as a secretary in Labor & Delivery. Although holding multiple jobs her entire working years, Bea never hesitated to participate in a vast array of social activities and community service. From teaching the nuns to drive at Holy Family Parish to preparing holiday feasts for the police department, there was always something Bea was saying Yes to. She was an active member of the Pioneer Valley Water Ski Club at Brunelle’s Marina in South Hadley, where she was an avid water skier. She is very proud of her participation in their water ski shows, performing mixed doubles with her ski partner Ken Lefebvre and being designated to climb to the top of the pyramid. She and her best friend, Louise Black, operated B & L Travel, a fun & successful bus tours travel club. Bea also developed a love for cruising. She and her beloved husband Rich established a retirement business, Sunway Ocean Cruises, where they brought together groups of family and friends to create endless cherished memories during their 100+ lifetime cruises. Bea was a devoted parishioner of The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Luke. She served on its parish council for many years, including 2 years as President and ending her long tenure as “Council Member Emeritus”. She was also very active in many other ministries, highlighted by her participation as Co-Chairperson of The Taste of Greece for many years and her development of the Romeo & Juliets luncheon group. She also initiated, along with Father Michael Sitaras, The St. Luke Greek Dancers and was so proud of the youth that participated. She had also been a staunch supporter of The St. George Olympians Drum & Bugle Corps at her former parish, St. George Cathedral. In 2004 she received the St. Luke Laity Award, a Metropolis recognition for dedication to ministries.

Throughout Bea’s busy life (she was dubbed “the Energizer Bunny”) she always remained devoted to her family, dedicating herself to her husband, children and grandchildren, loving them with all her heart. Bea cared deeply for every person that she met and earned a place in the hearts of each and every one. She has requested that all who love her must now celebrate, as she has finally gotten her long expressed wish. Her prayers have been answered and in her words “Please celebrate when I depart because I have led a full, fun-filled, love-filled, spiritually-filled life…” Her life touched many and she will be deeply missed. Bea is survived by her three devoted children James M. Syner of West Springfield, Richard J. Syner, Jr., of Ludlow and Kathleen Syner Kalaitzidis and her husband Christos of Agawam, and her eight adored grandchildren Christopher (fiancé Jessica), Timothy (spouse DeAnna), Kasondra (partner Jeffrey), Karisa (fiancé Anthony), Katina (spouse Jason), Nikos (partner Natalia), Kaitlin (partner Daniel) and Dimitri (partner Erik) and three great-grandchildren, Tyson, Casey and Leo. She also leaves many other cherished family members and friends. In addition to her parents she was also predeceased by her beloved husband Richard J. Syner in 2010 and her dear sister Anna (Simos) Flynn in 2021. Family and friends will gather on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Luke, 400 Prospect Street, East Longmeadow, where Beatrice will lie in state from 10:30-11:30 a.m., followed by a service at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow in the Massachusetts Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. Calling hours will be held on Monday, April 11, 2022 from 4-7 p.m. at the Byron Keenan Funeral Home and Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street, Springfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bea’s memory to The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Luke, P.O. Box 381, East Longmeadow, MA 01028.