Elizabeth Rose ‘Bea’ Cannizzaro – Fayette City
Elizabeth Rose “Bea” Cannizzaro, 59, of Fayette City, died Tuesday, July 25, 2023. Born in Detroit, Mich., on Sept. 3, 1963, she was the fourth of eight children born to Joan Patten Cannizzaro, who survives and resides in Fayette City, and the late Tony Cannizzaro. Bea was a teacher to her siblings, teaching them patience in suffering, kindness, meekness, strength, compassion, mercy and humility. Those who knew her intimately, knew her as a gentle soul and saint. She leaves behind her siblings, Andy, Maria, Chris, Julie, Steve, Peter, Angela and Rose, as well as a host of nieces and nephews. She was particularly precious to her Nana Rose and her godmother, Aunt Bea. Beloved by her family, cousins and a few close friends, Tammy Budmeyer and Cindy. Bea was special, awkward socially, and was never fully understood by any of the professionals who tried to help her. She patiently withstood the myriad of therapies and medications prescribed for her, though in later years, it seemed the side effects only added to her disabilities. There were certain nonsensical phrases (to those that did not know her intimately) that she would pick up and then repeat many times when she was disturbed by something unpleasant to her, though she never complained of pain. Certain songs would evoke a deep sadness in her. She was a person of deep emotions, unable to fully communicate to us all that she was experiencing, and that left her feeling isolated, even in a crowd of family activity. She followed the special education track, progressing most admirably under the teaching of Mrs. Niemela at Marion Elementary and then graduating from Belle Vernon Area High School. She then went on to Clelian Heights, a vocational academy for exceptional people. She worked many years at “The Center,” as she called it, in Donora, applying labels to newspapers. Bea showed flashes of brilliance when playing Uno or matching games, winning far more than her share, and she could name a song after hearing only three notes. She was gifted with animals, and very perceptive. Bea lived most of her life on the family farm in Fayette City. She enjoyed coloring, arts and crafts, clipping coupons and listening to music. She was long-suffering, spending the COVID years of prolonged illness under the devoted care of her sister, Julie, in Richfield, Pa. She then returned to the care of her Mom, Joan, to spend her final days on the farm, surrounded by family. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at JAMES C. STUMP FUNERAL HOME INC., 580 Circle Drive, Rostraver Township, 724-929-7934, www.jamesstumpfuneralhome.com. A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, at St. Sebastian Church, 801 Broad Ave., Belle Vernon. The time of the Mass will be announced on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023, in the Mon Valley Independent and on the funeral home’s website www.jamesstumpfuneralhome.com.
