Montpelier, VT Beatrice Kimsey Phalen, 88, of Montpelier, VT, died peacefully at home in Montpelier on December 31, 2016 of heart failure. She was surrounded by her loving family. Beatrice Ann Kimsey was born on February 10, 1928 in Gastonia, North Carolina, the daughter of Ray B and Lee (Rodgers) Kimsey. Bea was educated in the Gastonia schools, graduating in 1946 from Gastonia High School. She then attended the University of North Carolina. On July 1, 1950, Bea married John Richard Phalen of West Rutland, VT. Their marriage was in the Cathedral of Belmont Abbey, Belmont, NC. After living in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, France & Germany while John served in the Army Corp of Engineers, in 1953 they settled in Montpelier, VT. Later they lived for short periods of time in Brattleboro and Bennington before resettling in Montpelier. When their youngest started school, Bea continued her education, graduating from the University of Vermont Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Education in 1971. In 1970, Bea was asked to form and coach the first girls' tennis team at Montpelier High School. She taught Junior High School Language Arts in both the Bennington, VT and Montpelier school systems. She always enjoyed running into her students over the years and learning how they were doing. When Bea retired in 1987, she went straight to the golf course. She was a golfer before retirement and became an avid golfer after retirement. She thoroughly enjoyed all the friendships that came with it as she spent many hours on the courses of Vermont, Georgia and Florida. She especially enjoyed playing in the weekly Vermont Ladies State Day competition. Bea was Past President of the St Vincent de Paul Society at St Augustine's, a former member of the Montpelier Mother's Club and a very active member of the Montpelier Ladies Golf Club. Bea thoroughly enjoyed living in Vermont, its people, environment and all the state has to offer. She was predeceased by her parents and brother, E. Howard Kimsey. Bea is survived by her husband, John Richard Phalen of Montpelier. She is also survived by her son, Kim (Mary) Phalen of Montpelier, daughters Marcie (Sam) Kingsbury of Leesburg, FL and Beth Phalen of Barre, VT. She has 3 grandchildren, Cait (Aaron) Keeler of Milton, VT, Maggie (Christian) Connolly of Northborough, MA & Sam McGinty of Barre, VT and 4 great grandchildren, Noah & Andrew Keeler and Molly & Max Connolly. At Bea's request, there will be no public calling hours. Burial will be in the spring in St Bridget's Cemetery in West Rutland, VT. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Montpelier High School Boosters Club c/o Montpelier High School, 5 High School Drive, Montpelier, VT or the Central Vermont Home, Health & Hospice at 600 Granger Rd, Barre, VT 05641.