Barbara "Bea" (Ellis) Arena's Obituary
Barbara Arena, lovingly known as “Bea”, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2025. Bea led a remarkable life filled with love, curiosity, and a dedication to her family and community.
Bea earned her BA in History from Denison University and went on to serve her country by working at the United States Central Intelligence Agency, where she met the love of her life, Dominick Arena. Together, they shared 57 wonderful years of marriage.
Bea was an avid reader and enjoyed playing Scrabble with friends and family. She found joy in bird watching, spending time with her dogs, baking, and served as President of the Bonsall Women’s Club, where she contributed her time and talents.
Above all, Bea was deeply devoted to her family. She is survived by her three children, Larry Anthony (Tony) Arena, Amy Elizabeth Arena, and Catherine Ann Arena-Mueller. She also leaves behind her loving sons and daughter-in-law, Daniel, Kamren, and Jared, as well as her cherished grandchildren: Gabriel,
Dominica, Ashlee, Daniela, Josephine, and Andrew.
Bea’s love extended beyond her immediate family to her many friends, nieces, nephews, and cousins, including a special relationship with her great-nephew, Matthew. Her warmth, wisdom, and laughter will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Barbara “Bea” Arena will be remembered as a kind, intelligent, and giving woman who left an indelible mark on the lives she touched. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends forever.
Visitation will take place on Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 12:00 P.M. – 12:45 P.M. followed by a funeral mass in celebration of Bea’s life at 1:00 P.M. in Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter Church, 301 Ash St. Syracuse, NY. Entombment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the San Diego Rescue Mission at www.give.sdrescue.org or the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance at www.sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org.
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