Bernice E. Coutts

Bernice “Bea” Coutts, 88, beloved wife of the late Robert Coutts, devoted mother of Scott (wife Lynn Eriksen), Robert (wife Gita), and Richard (wife Melanie) Coutts and Ellen Coutts Curran, loving grandmother of Leah, Nicole, Taylor, Jonathan, Alex, Hannah, Jack, Will, and Emma, devoted sister to late Brig. Gen. John Tuck and his wife Ellie, Lawrence Tuck and his wife Janice, Roberta Greene and her late husband Bob, Paul Tuck and his wife Colleen and many treasured nieces and nephews passed on March 19, 2021, after a brief struggle with cancer. Bernice spent most of her life in Dedham. As a child she was an avid reader and acclaimed by local librarians for having read every book in the children’s library of the Oakdale Branch (which closed in 1946). She loved visiting her uncle Henry Lorio’s grocery in Germantown, Dedham and was Mrs. Endicott’s papergirl. Bernice was a spelling bee champion and proud graduate of Dedham High School and remained on the Alumni Board for much of her life. She was an active voice for keeping green space an integral part of Dedham, especially the Wilson’s Mountain preserve. After many years as a bookkeeper for Norfolk County Federal Credit Union, she enjoyed her retirement travelling, mastering Rummikub and Scrabble (especially during the Pandemic), and as an active member of Allin Congregational Church. Her favorite places included Scotland and her winter residence for many years in Nalcrest, Florida. Bernice was an enthusiastic participant in her husband Bob’s adventurous spirit which included boating, biking, fishing, camping, and hiking. Bernice was a devoted Patriots and Red Sox fan, and spent many summer nights cheering along the Cape League baseball players. Her daily walks, which ended in January of this year due to illness, made her a regular sighting in and around the Ashcroft and Endicott neighborhoods. Bernice had a charitable nature, perpetual smile and a relentlessly positive disposition. In her memory, please smile at a stranger or give to one of her favorite charities: Rosie’s Place (889 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118; http://www.rosiesplace.org/give ) or St. Jude’s Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; https://www.stjude.org/about-st-jude/faq/how-can-i-donate-to-st-jude.html ). Interment will be private and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.