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Beatrice Carpenter Carley, the oldest living member of Fairfield's Black Rock Congregational Church, died Thursday at her home in Black Rock. She was 104.
Carley was born East Hampton but lived in Black Rock most of her life. After graduating from the Pratt Institute in New York, she worked as a dietician for many years. She worked in the Dietary Departments at Griffin Hospital and Bridgeport Hospital and retired as director of dietary services at Park City Hospital.
Throughout her life in Bridgeport, she was an active member of Black Rock Congregational. She served as a deaconess there for more than 80 years. She was the oldest living member of the parish before her death.
Aside from the church, her main focus in life was her family. She was predeceased by her husband, Royal V. Carley; two sons, Neal Carley and Jay Carley; and two brothers, Eldridge Carpenter and Hubert Carpenter. She is survived by four sons, Bruce Carley and his wife Joan of Shelton, Seth Carley and his wife Patricia of Trumbull, Tim Carley and his wife Jane of New Fairfield and Ross Carley and his wife Geri of Newtown; two daughters-in-law, Adrienne Carley of Fairfield and Suzanne Carley of New Fairfield; a sister, Marilyn McEachern of Bridgeport; and 16 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 S. Benson Road, Fairfield. The Rev. James Marshall and the Rev. Stanley Allaby will officiate a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial is private at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Fairfield.
Black Rock Congregational will host a memorial service at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Young at Heart Group c/o Black Rock Congregational Church, 3685 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield, CT 06825.
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