Our beautiful daughter Eliza Rose Beccia passed peacefully on Sunday, June 5th with her family by her side. Our Eliza is a gentle and kind soul. We always admired the compassion and patience she had for others. Eliza loved her home and family time. She always made time to hang out with us (mom Ann, sister Anna and dad Lucien) doing puzzles, taking the dogs for walks in the neighborhood, or just sitting by the fire. Eliza had a remarkable relationship with her Dad and they had their unique set of father-daughter activities that some teens would avoid, but Eliza would embrace enthusiastically. One of their favorite summer activities was to spend Saturday nights at the Clinton Firehouse playing Bingo, losing money and snacking on junk.
Eliza began working at the Madison School for Young Children (her mom’s school) when she was in high school. The children were naturally drawn to her gentle nature and looked forward to seeing her in the afternoons. It was there that she discovered her natural affinity for working with young children.
Eliza had just finished her first year at UVM where she attended with her older sister Anna. Eliza blossomed in college. She was never happier. This past year our girls became exceptionally close. Every Saturday night was their “date night” and the two girls would go out for Mexican food compliments of grandma and they would facetime mom from dinner so she could be a part of the silly conversations. During ski season they got up early every Sunday to ski Sugarbush together. Anna and Eliza were the best of friends.We admired their close relationship and were so comforted to know they had each other at school.
Eliza had gone into college - Liberal Arts Undecided and at the end of the year declared her major as Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Special Education. We were pleasantly surprised when she told us this. Smart, talented, young people are not being attracted to the teaching profession these days - the work is hard and the pay is not commensurate. This was not Eliza’s concern. She and her mom had had conversations about the importance of good teachers and the difference teachers make in the lives of children. We are so proud of her for choosing this honorable path.
Eliza’s work as a teacher is not done. She has touched many people in ways we are only just learning about. Eliza, like a good teacher, leaves those she touched with wisdom and insights to take with them on their lifes’ journeys to make a positive impact on others. As a family, Eliza has taught us to be more gentle with others, more gentle with each other and more gentle with ourselves. We will spread her kind energy to others who may never have known her.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Eliza’s scholarship fund.
In memory of Eliza, we are setting up a scholarship fund for graduates of Daniel Hand High School pursuing a degree in education. Please make your tax deductible contribution to:
The Madison Foundation ℅ The Eliza Beccia Scholarship Fund
PO Box 446, Madison, CT, 06443.
While the family appreciates the tremendous outpouring of love and support from the community, we need to keep Eliza’s Celebration of life a private event for family and Eliza’s and her family’s close friends. Our family needs time to grieve quietly. Thank you for understanding.
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