Beatrice Dingwell Loos died peacefully on the morning of April 11, 2024 at age 99.  She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 67 years, Dickson, as well as her son Kenneth and his wife, Jennifer.  She is survived by her son, Karl (Ann) and daughters, Peggy (Penny), Patty (Steve), Bea Alice, and Pamela (Charles), 14 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Beatrice (Bea) was born in New London, CT on September 8, 1924.  As the daughter in a Navy family, she attended 14 schools over 12 years, completing her last two years at Sidwell Friends School in Washington, DC, where she met her future husband, Dickson (Dick) Randall Loos.  Following her graduation in 1942 as valedictorian, she attended Sweetbriar College in Lynchburg, VA, where she graduated with a BA degree in Chemistry.  Upon graduating, she was hired as a chemist by the National Bureau of Standards in Washington, becoming a specialist in adhesives.  She reconnected with Dick in New York in 1948 and they were married on February 19, 1949.

Following their marriage, Bea and Dick settled in Chevy Chase, MD.  For the next 20 years Bea devoted her life to raising six children and becoming an active leader in volunteer organizations, including the National Society of Arts & Letters, where she served as president, the Junior League, the Sweetbriar Alumni Association, serving as President of the Alumni Council, and the Women’s Club of Chevy Chase.  She also volunteered as a docent at the Smithsonian Institution where she developed programs and led tours for the Mammals and the Gems & Minerals Collections.  In 1968, Bea returned to school earning a teaching certificate and accepting a position at The Primary Day School in 1970.  In 1976 she was named Head of School, where she served until her retirement in 1986.  In 2007, Bea and Dick moved to Williamsburg, VA, becoming active members of the Williamsburg Landing community and forming new friendships.  Bea enjoyed playing bridge, serving on the dining committee and, of course, singing with the Choristers.  She also continued in her commitment to give back to the community as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and a reading tutor to elementary school children in the Williamsburg area.   In later years, she was grateful for the loyal support of companions who helped care for her.

Bea was a faithful member of the Christian Science Church both in Chevy Chase, where she chaired the Music Committee for many years and later in Williamsburg.  Bea had a lifelong love of music, which she pursued through voice lessons and serving as a substitute soloist at Christian Science churches in the Washington area.  Music was a tradition at family gatherings over the years and she would often sing while working in the kitchen or driving in her car.  And each year she would lead the neighborhood Christmas gathering for caroling.

Bea enjoyed tennis, swimming, gardening, and running – generally from one activity to another!  Following retirement, she tried her hand at golf, mostly enjoying the walk around the course.  Most of all she loved her times on North Carolina’s Outer Banks where the family vacationed for over 50 years.  In 1980, Bea and Dick built a home on the beach in Kitty Hawk, NC, which became a gathering place for her growing family over the next 40 years.  When she was not welcoming family and friends or tending to the needs of her grandchildren, she could be seen swimming “laps” in the waves or jogging on the beach.  In all her endeavors, Bea brought compelling optimism and a warm smile, touching the lives of all whom she met with dignity, grace, and a generous heart.

A Celebration of Bea’s life will be held at Williamsburg Landing in the Charter Room on May 31 at 1:30 (5700 Williamsburg Landing Road, Williamsburg, VA). Information on parking for the Memorial Service will be posted to the website by May 20. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in Bea’s memory be made to the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Williamsburg, VA (620 Jamestown Rd., Williamsburg, VA  23185) or The Primary Day School (7300 River Rd., Bethesda, MD 20817).