CAPE ELIZABETH/ SCARBOROUGH – Beatrice Joan Potenzo, 92, of Cape Elizabeth and Scarborough, peacefully died on July 3rd at Stroudwater Lodge in Westbrook, Maine. As she always said, “I’ll go when the Good Lord is ready to take me”.

Bea was born in Livermore Falls on March 7, 1929 as one half of the Dolan Twins. Her identical, mirror twin sister Betsy (Bea was right-handed, and Betsy left- handed) was born after her on the kitchen table of their parents’ home. They were IDENTICAL! Growing up, the Twins dressed in matching outfits “all the way to their shoelaces”, as Bea would say.

The family moved to South Portland and settled on Cottage Rd. where the Twins attended Willard School and South Portland High School graduating with the proud class of 1948.

After High School Bea and Betsy worked at Porteous, Mitchell and Braun. Always identical, with signature matching lipstick, they referred to each other as “Sister.” No one could tell them apart even into their Golden years.

Bea went to Secretarial School in Portland and began a career in banking at Maine Savings Bank on Congress St. in Portland.
She loved working for her boss, Charlie Bartlett and would often tell the story of how Charlie would correct her typing errors by just saying,” Bea, your finger slipped”.

The Twins were a regular fixture at Higgin’s Beach, Scarborough during the 1950’s. This is where Bea caught the eye of Portland Native, Frank Potenzo. The story goes that Frank saw two “Beauties” walking down the beach in matching black bathing suits and thought they must be from another country as they were just stunning. To his surprise, a few weeks later, he walked into Maine Savings and spotted one of the “Beauties” behind the desk. He called out, “May I speak with you?” Bea turned around and said, “Who me”? That exchange has brought gales of laughter from family and friends over the years as Bea explained that she was the only one in the office at the time so of course he was speaking to her. She laughed when she said, “If he was smart, he should have turned around and walked out.” Frank didn’t walk out and 6 weeks later he proposed.

Bea and Frank were married at the First Congregational Church in South Portland on May 10, 1958 and settled in Cape Elizabeth. The next few years were devoted to raising JoAnne, Frankie and Anthony surrounded by her family that spent many summers on the beaches of Old Orchard and Scarborough.

Bea was a Campfire Girl Leader, Little League supporter and Swim meet Cheerleader for her children. As the kids grew, Bea started to join local clubs like the Garden Club, Jaycees, and neighborhood Bridge groups that developed into a lifelong love of the game. Cape Elizabeth neighbors like Ada Ginn and Gail Prince became lifetime friends and Bridge partners. Bridge became a big part of Bea’s life that led to Duplicate games held at First Congregational Church with good friend, Eve Lee.

Coming from a family of athletes, Bea had natural talent and a competitive spirit. Her nerves of steel and strength were evident in every golf match, bowling string, and tennis shot she made. Bea and Frank joined Purpoodock Club in Cape Elizabeth which began the collection of trophies that covered many tables in the house over the years. Bea was Club Champion in her prime and played in many State Day tournaments. Big 20 Bowling Lane was the scene of many high scoring strings and championships, as well as the start of a wonderful friendship with the great Dot Petty. Bea and Betsy bowled together at The Big 20 on a team appropriately named “Sisters.”

Through all these adventures she acquired many wonderful friends. Everyone was drawn to her and loved her. Ask any of Bea’s friends and they will tell you that Bea was the life of the party. From swimming fully clothed when bathing suits were forgotten to telling raucous jokes, Bea was a HOOT!

The consignment store, Cherished Possessions, was where Bea went to work as an empty nester. The owners, Jo Agnes and Martha became fast friends with Bea that led to them having many adventures; too many to be told. CP treasures were always under the tree at Christmas gatherings and the football pool between friends went on for years.

After Frank passed in 2007, Bea moved to Scarborough to be closer to family. By that time, she was a Grandmother to JoAnne’s daughter Dory. Bea was so excited to be a Grandmother that she created the Grandmother’s Tournament at Purpoodock to celebrate. Her grandchildren were always a priority, and they all know how much she loved them. Dory, Vinny and Jaren were her special “Darlins”.

In July of 2017, Bea fell and broke her hip at the age of 88. After a year at Atria Assisted Living in Scarborough, Bea moved to Stroudwater Lodge in Westbrook and began a new journey. She learned flower arranging and painting and became “The Mayor” of the dining hall. Everyone knew Bea at The Lodge and would call out to her as she wheeled by with a big smile, but no one knew just how competitive she was until Bingo. She won so often it became a running joke that Bea was “Irish Lucky”. Bea was lucky to be at Stroudwater Lodge where she received exemplary care and the love of the Staff. She spent 3.5 years at The Lodge and made an impact that will not soon be forgotten. Her shining blue eyes and gorgeous skin brought her many compliments into her 90’s.

On Wednesday June 30th, her caregivers noticed her slowing down, and after two days of wonderful care from the angels at Compassus Hospice, Bea peacefully passed on July 3rd. The radio was playing her beloved country music and she was gazing at a bouquet of red roses as the Good Lord said, “I am ready for you, Bea.”

The family would like to thank Stroudwater Lodge for the extraordinary, loving, and professional care Bea was given for the last 3 years. They are now family to us. Margie, Gordana, Chrissy, Polly, Shannon, Ali, Chris, Mubarak, Becca and all the staff that loved her are our heroes that adored Bea like she was their own. Words cannot express the gratitude the family has for the Compassus staff. Caroline, Mia, Johanna and Mom’s special angel, Jasmine, loved Bea and she loved them. We are forever grateful.

Bea was predeceased by her parents, James D. Dolan Sr and Betsey Burkman; her husband, Frank J. Potenzo, Sr., her siblings, James D. Dolan Jr, Richard Dolan, Roger Dolan, Betsy Dolan (“Sister”).
Bea is survived by her children, JoAnne Freeman (George) of Scarborough, Frank J. Potenzo Jr. (Anita) of Buxton, Anthony Potenzo (Norma) of South Portland; grandchildren, Dory Freeman of Boston, Jaren Parras of Gorham, Vincent G. Potenzo of South Portland’ great-granddaughter Addalyn Parras; cousin Gloria Snyder of Connecticut; nieces Phyliss Scala, Ralda Adams, Elise Scala and Chrissey Gildow and nephews Steve Dolan and Dan Bell.

We will miss our beautiful Queen Bea!

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at Hobbs Funeral Home in South Portland. A funeral service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at the First Congregational Church in South Portland followed by a graveside service at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.