Beatrice Fadness

MONONA - Beatrice Corinne Fadness, age 90, of Monona, passed away on Friday, June 13, 2025, in Rapid City, S.D. She was born on March 3, 1935, in Oregon, Wis., the daughter of Glenn Newton and Etta (Halverson) Newton.

Beatrice graduated from Central High School in Madison in 1952, where she participated in school plays, band (trombone), choir and was prom queen. She was united in marriage to Donald M. Fadness at Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison in 1955.

Bea loved being a housewife and mother. As their children grew older, she began working at Frouchies Furniture in Madison and later worked in secretarial positions in many places.

Bea was a wonderful musician and took up her trombone again as a senior, playing in two bands, New Horizons and Swing Band. She sang (and played trombone) beautifully in her church choir for many decades, was a member of the Madison Symphony Choir for a time and musically entertained her fellow residents at the assisted living where she resided. Bea played piano her whole life and participated in many local plays over the years. She was a faithful and active member of St. Stephens in Monona. In addition to involvement in choir, she also taught confirmation classes. Bea actively contributed to her community by helping restore the Dean House. She participated in many ways, but the Back Porch concerts were her favorite event. Bea also volunteered with voting every year in Monona.

Bea was a wonderful cook and no one could make better comfort foods! Her pies and baked goods were second to none. She very much enjoyed hosting parties, luncheons and dinners. Bea loved to decorate her home and changed décor often for the seasons. She and Don loved gardening and working in their yard. They loved going to garage sales, estate sales and auctions together. They also loved traveling, and especially enjoyed their cruise to Norway.

Beatrice is survived by her sister, Lois Reid; daughters, Debra Peery, Lisa Meadows and Laura Bradley; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; son-in-law, Frederick Hoff; and sisters-in-law, Virgina Norgord, Patricia Fadness and Jill Kerwin. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Fadness; father, Glenn Newton; mother, Etta Maciag (Newton) (Halverson); sister, Juanita Newton; grandson, Joshua Crawford; parents-in-law, Neyman and Inez Fadness; brothers-in-law, James Fadness and Jack Fadness; and sons-in-law, John Peery and Tim Bradley.

Burial will take place at Highland Memory Gardens. Memorials may be made to New Horizons Band or Olbrich Gardens if desired.

Bea was a very special lady, mother, wife, and friend to many. She will be greatly missed.

“Nothing as sure as change!” “My God is a big God!”

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420