In Memory of Beatrice Kababik

Obituary

Beatrice Kababik

January 26, 1927 ~ February 27, 2026

Beatrice passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, warmth and precious memories. Born and raised in Atlantic City, Beatrice came from and grew her own large family. Beatrice’s parents, Grace and Howard Cavileer are long past, as are her siblings Howard, Albert, Alma, Janet and Edith. Only brother Horace remains with his granddaughter Ashley. Beatrice had wonderful stories about her parents and stepdad Mack, who treated her as his own daughter.

Beatrice and John Todd were parents to John Todd, Shearon Lusk, Michael Todd, Bill Todd, Joseph Todd and Linda Powlis. From these six, came a multitude of beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren including Jonathan, Colleen, Caryn, Laura, Stacy, Wendy, Rachel, Christopher, Shane, Ashley, Jennifer, Travis, Callum, Logan, Stephanie, Lauren, Elizabeth, Caitlyn, Matthew, Michael, Sophia, Lucas, Kinsleigh, Reagan Lowery, Sophia, Bailey, Grace, Graham, Grayson, Grady, Ivy, Claire, Cody, Victoria, Angel, Ayanna, Aurora and Violet.

Beatrice outlived John, then subsequently married and outlived three other husbands including Bill Huntley, Clarence Handele and Frank Kababik. Beatrice was a devoted partner to each of these fine gentlemen. And it was clear that they treasured Beatrice for the good, conscientious, loving person she always was.

We cannot possibly name them all, but Beatrice also leaves behind many other special family members and friends including Jim and Gerri Fish, Janet Wolcott, Marge and Charlie Goudie, and Dan Cosner.

Very special thanks and gratitude to her compassionate caregivers Kathy Napple, Lorrie White, Tracy Battease and Sabrina Santina These ladies gave Beatrice kind and gentle care, and patient, loyal companionship.

At 99+ years, there are many wonderful stories and things to say about Beatrice.  Beatrice held many jobs over the years, with her main job always being ‘Mom’.  In the early years Cousin Janet shares that  Beatrice worked for a doctor from Absecon, taking the train into Atlantic City to care for soldiers housed during WW2. She met John Todd on the train exchanging contacts on a slip of paper. 

Together for many years, they were a hardworking and successful team.  Beatrice became the manager and dispatcher for Todd’s Taxi and Bus Company. No doubt, she will cross paths in Heaven with some famous taxi customers including Betty White, Sidney Poitier, Mel Allen and Howard Cosell.  We will miss her voice and can only  imagine it over the radio. 

John was an entrepreneur and over time let go of the taxi and bus business, buying Todd’s Club in North Salem, NY. Beatrice was immediately the premier, hostess with the mostest, and right hand at the Club - working any and every possible task. This included being a second mother to wonderful ladies of the ‘Act IV’, later renamed ‘‘The Enchanted Forest’, an all female hit band that played regularly at the Club. Beatrice was beautiful and smart, always in high heels. She was known to make one heck of a cocktail.  In later years, Beatrice worked the switchboard at Pace University, retail at Bradlees, and as a health care aide at the Presbyterian Home.  Beatrice paid it forward in so many ways, including delivering ‘Meals On Wheels’ with Clarence.

Beatrice  found joy in the simple pleasures of life.  Decorating her home for every holiday season and special occasion was a must. She was fastidious, conquering any closet, cabinet or drawer that was out of order.  Beatrice was a perfectionist in the curtain department, carefully changing them every season. Son Mike tells us that table settings had to be ‘just so’, and he would be reminded ‘over and over’ if anything was out of place.  Those who knew Beatrice understood that a well-kept home was a top priority.

Beatrice was also a humble person, quick to tout the accomplishments of others and rarely, if ever giving credit to herself.  She was an avid and expert puzzler builder who completed hundreds of them over the years, with a good number now in frames. 

Beatrice had a soft spot for veterans; so many of the men in her life were service members. She  donated to several organizations supporting them. A donation in Beatrice’s name to a veteran’s organization in your community would be welcome.

Most of all, Beatrice treasured her life as a mom, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother. Beatrice lived all of her many years with purpose and grace.  We are so lucky to have shared time with her.  Beatrice is forever loved and will be deeply missed.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.  Arrangements are with Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford.

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.