ESPERANCE - Beatrice M. Howland, 84, of Esperance, passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, surrounded by her loved ones.

Bea was born Dec. 15, 1936, in Albany, to James Edward and Edith Kezia (Tryon) Wagoner.

She graduated with the Class of 1954 from RavenaCoeymans Central School and Albany Medical Center School of Nursing in 1958.

Bea would later continue her education at St. Joseph's College in Standish, Maine, where she received her bachelor's degree in health care administration.

She enjoyed a long and varied nursing career with positions at Cobleskill Hospital, Eden Park Nursing Home and Duanesburg Central School where she served as elementary school nurse from 1976 until her retirement in 2000.

A longtime member of the Presbyterian Church in Esperance, Bea volunteered for numerous organizations including Habitat for Humanity, 4-H, and local and national dairy goat organizations.

In retirement, she and her husband, John, traveled extensively in the United States and Europe and attended many performances at Proctors Theatre.

Bea was married to John D. Howland, who predeceased her on May 12, 2020.

Survivors include her five children, Lisa Wolf of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Renee (Barney) Misch of Poolville, Peter (Tracy Emerson) Howland of Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, Paul Howland of Esperance and Jeremy (Dawn Ryan) Howland of Malta; 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

The family is grateful to the five Springs staff members at Wesley Health Care Center for the care they provided Bea in her final months.

A graveside service will be held in the spring in Charlotteville Valley Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bea's name to a charity of one's choice.

The Langan Funeral Home of Schoharie and the Robert A. Guffin Funeral Home of Cobleskill are assisting the Howland family.

Please visit www.langanfuneralhome.com to leave a special message for Bea's family.