Beverly Joan Retzer, 92, formerly of South Avenue and Congress Street Apartments, Bradford, passed away Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Born April 24, 1932, in Buffalo, NY, she was the daughter of the late Horace W. and Bernice Elvira (Davis) Mines.
She graduated from Wilcox High School in 1950 and was a graduate of Jamestown Business College as a Medical Secretary. She worked for Samuel A. Dispenza, M.D. in Jamestown. Later, she worked at the Child Guidance Clinic, Social Services, and Cerebral Palsy Clinic at Children’s Hospital in Buffalo, NY. Beverly retired in 1993 after working 23 years as secretary to Widad E. Bazzoui, M.D., Medical Director of the Guidance Center.
On April 4, 1953, in the Presbyterian Church in Wilcox with Rev. T. Lambert officiating, she married Ernest N. Retzer who preceded her in death on November 19, 2014.
Mrs. Retzer, Beverly or “Babs”, loved having a large “brood”, enjoyed her career, and adored her husband. She was a member of the Evans Memorial United Methodist Church, a member of the Missionary Women and sang in the church choir. She was a member of TOPS Club and was an avid walker and gardener.
Bev’s favorite phrase was “the squeaky wheel gets the grease”. She loved celebrating holidays and birthdays and enjoyed traveling.
Surviving are four daughters, Laurel E. (Gary) Phillips, of Ellicottville, NY, Beth A. (Cecil Patin) Retzer of Pensacola Fl, Kathleen J. (Robert) Walsh, of Jamestown, NY, and Louise M. Retzer, of Bluffton, SC, one son, Ernest M. Retzer, of Bradford, 7 grandchildren, Santino (Nancy) Lombardo, Jeremiah Andrews, Rachel Andrews, Lawrence Walsh, Ernest John (Katelyn) Retzer, Fiona (Riyaz Ali) Retzer and Beata Langston, three great grandchildren, Jordan Sky Kirk, Johanna Simone Kirk, Bairon Elijah Robles Langston, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ernie, of 61 years, and one sister, Janet V. Mayfield and her husband, Jacob.
Family will be receiving friends on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc., 372 East Main Street, and again on Wednesday from 10:00 am to 11:00 am in the Evans Memorial United Methodist Church, where at 11:00 am funeral and committal services will be held with Rev. Jay Tennies, Pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Wilcox Cemetery.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Evans Memorial United Methodist Church 1447 South Avenue Bradford, PA 16701, or charity of donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com