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E. Beatrice Erickson Brinkman Wilson,"Gramma Bea," 76, lost her battle with cancer on January 11, 2001. Gramma Bea was born in Lowell, Massachusetts July 16, 1924 and came to New Mexico in 1945, after having served with the US WACs and was part of the Manhattan Project where she worked in what was later disclosed as part of the timing mechanism of"the bomb." She moved to Albuquerque in 1955, where she lived most of her remaining years. During those years she also lived in Espanola, Los Lunas and Estancia. She owned and operated her own appliance repair shop for many years in Espanola, on North 4th Street and SE Zuni in Albuquerque. She was in the Eastern Star, and was very active in Rainbow Girls for her daughters and Demolay for her son. She was a Brownie Leader, Girl and Boy Scout Leader and the best Gramma around. She was the Mother of three, Grandmother of six and Great-grandmother of at least nine. Gramma Bea was a disabled Vet, but gave many hours as a volunteer with the DAV and the local VA hospital. She spent most of the last fifteen years dedicated to her family, especially her great-grandchildren. She was a compassionate and generous person, very reliable, and a terrific friend to everyone she met. She has gone to join her youngest daughter, Gale Brinkman Weld, who passed away in 1977, and her son, Alan Brinkman, who passed away in 1995. She is survived by her daughter, Terri Wendt and husband, David; granddaughter, Lynne King; and great-granddaughter, Kailene; and great-grand twins, Kyle and Kameron King; Grandsong Steve, his wife Melinda; and great-grand twins, Brooke and Tyler Wendt. Her remaining grandchildren are Robby Brinkman Elliot and son, Justin, Tobi Brinkman of Florida and Tiffin Brinkman and great-grandchildren, Tessa and Tyler of Texas and Grandson, Kevin Weld; she is also survived by her younger brother, Arthur Erickson of Quincy, MA; and older sister Gladys Williams of Stamford, CT. Gramma Bea was very disturbed by the fire in Los Alamos last May, so the family would appreciate donations be made in her memory to the Santa Fe National Forest, Los Alamos office, at 475 20th Street B, Los Alamos, NM 87544. Arrangements are being handled by Strong-Thorne Mortuary, 1100 Coal Ave SE. Her wishes were to be cremated and laid to rest at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe. There will be a Graveside Memorial Service on Wednesday, January 17th at 11:00 am.
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