Elizabeth Bevilacqua

Elizabeth Bevilacqua passed away on Friday, September 18, 2020, at the age of 94.

Elizabeth, was known formally as Mrs. B. and as Jim to acquaintances. She was born on November 13,1925, in Ticonderoga, NY, to her parents Walter & Helen (Arthur) Gunning. She earned an Associate’s Degree in Business from the Mildred Elley School in Albany , NY. Elizabeth was courted by Carl Bevilacqua, they were married September 12, 1948, and their romance endured lifetimes. Together they created a home on the lake and she became a well-known matriarch to some of Saranac Lake’s greatest entrepreneurs and close-knit families.

Jim had a passionate pursuit of fun which included competitive card games, shopping, trips to casinos, and regularly cheering on the New York Yankees with particular emphasis for the player who wore number two on his jersey. The depth of her insight and routine as a night owl captures the essence of her old soul and youthful attitude, which was anything but ‘old fashioned.’ Mrs. B. had an insatiable sweet tooth and well-stocked provisions to entertain at a moment’s notice. She was glamorous, witty, and she embodied the spirit of Christmas all year round.

Mrs. B. is predeceased by her husband Carl Bevilacqua, brother John & his wife Betty Ann “Crote” Gunning, her sister Mary & Joe Stanley, son in law Ed Hagmann, daughter in law Brenda Bevilacqua, son in law John Raymond, and grandson Tyler Leidig. She is survived by Mike “Beef” & Joanne Bevilacqua, Mary Raymond, James & Elizabeth Bevilacqua, Cherrie Sayles, Janie & Clyde Rabideau, and Bob Bevilacqua & Terrie Callahan. She was a beloved Granny and great-grandmother to fourteen grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake, NY. There will be a public mass at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Saranac Lake at 10:00am on Saturday, September 26, 2020. Due to the extenuating circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic the Bevilacqua family understands that it may make it difficult for some to attend. For those unable to attend the funeral service will also be webcast on Fortune¬-Keough Funeral Homes facebook page.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Saranac Lake Volunteer Rescue Squad, PO Box 431, Saranac Lake, NY 12983. Family and friends can also share their condolences, video condolences, photographs and memories at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.