Beatrice “Bea” Jordan, 85, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2026.
Bea was born on April 20, 1941, in Medford, Mass., to the late Alfred Miele and Beatrice (Ritchie) Miele. Bea was predeceased by siblings Christine Miele, Paul Miele and Timothy Miele.
Bea is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Ronald Jordan; son Ron and wife Gail (Sweet) Jordan; daughter, Marie, and husband Peter King; son Paul and wife Martha (Allen) Jordan; and her three treasured grandchildren, Elizabeth Conyers, Maxwell Jordan and Vivian Jordan. She is also survived by her sisters Elizabeth (Miele) Budryk, Annemarie Miele, Theresa Miele and their families; many cousins; and her devoted friend Nancy Barker.
Bea spent her childhood years in Medford, Mass., and the early years of her married life in Weston, Conn., and Grafton, Mass., before settling in Milton, Vt., to raise her family. After 53 years in Milton, she spent the remainder of her life in South Burlington, Vt.
Bea lived with strength, generosity, curiosity and an unwavering devotion to her family. She believed her family was everything and often said that her children were her greatest accomplishment. Her home — beautiful, comfortable and warm — reflected the care she gave to freely to everyone around her.
She was a true and kind friend who always seemed to make room for one more person. Celebrations often included a “stray” warmly welcomed into gatherings that brought family and friends together around food, laughter and cherished traditions. She will be remembered for her homemade soup, apple crisp, a nice cup of tea and her fervor for doing laundry.
Bea embraced life with enthusiasm. With her husband, Ron, she traveled the world to 16 countries. Highlights include a night on the Eiffel Tower, dancing on the Great Wall of China, whitewater rafting through the island of Roatan and a visit to Stonehenge. Ron and Bea embarked on a three-month cross-country tour of the U.S. with stops at a Texas rodeo, Colorado’s hot-air balloon fest and the New Orleans Jazz Festival.
Always the adventurist, Bea took part in BMW racing, biplane rides, playing an extra in movies, participating in the I-89 ribbon cutting, and attending both the Winter and Summer Olympics
Bea summered in York Beach, Maine, every year from the age of 8. Her love of Long Sands Beach, the Goldenrod and Nubble Lighthouse were contagious and has become a legacy that has passed on to family and friends for generations.
She delighted in flea markets, estate sales, garage sales, thrift shops, antique shops and auctions, and she had a gift for spotting an overlooked treasure. Through Vermont Hand Crafters, she created pressed-flower art, window jewelry, sun catchers and mixed-media wall décor.
Even with living with Parkinson’s disease, she continued to embrace life fully and took part in many Parkinson’s-related events.
Bea’s life was filled with family, friendship, creativity, travel, tradition and laughter. Her resilience and love will remain with all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.
A special thank-you to the incredible friends that helped bridge the chores and challenges over the past couple of years. You are deeply cherished.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations made be made in Bea’s name to the Movement for Parkinson’s program (The Flynn, 153 Main St., Burlington, VT 05401) or the American Parkinson’s Disease Association (apdaparkinson.org).