Beatrice "Bea" Christensen

Beatrice “Bea” Christensen, 99, of Penn Yan, NY, passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at home.

She was born in Dresden, NY on November 10, 1926, the daughter of the late William H. and Anna (Easling) Smith and graduated from Penn Yan Academy. On October 25, 1946, she married Arne Christensen in Penn Yan, NY.

Prior to her marriage, Bea worked at Mercury Aircraft and Comstock Canning. She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and a member of the Danish Sisterhood. Bea volunteered for 31 years at the Once Again Shop in Penn Yan.

She was predeceased by her husband, Arne Christensen; infant daughter, Diane; and grandson, Robert Eden.

Bea is survived by two daughters, Kathy (Garry) Whitney of Penn Yan and Grete (Jim Emerson) Christensen; two sons, Gary Christensen of Penn Yan and Dale (Tina) Christensen of SC; seven grandchildren, Shelly (Rick) Cronk of Penn Yan, Adam (Sara) Christensen of Penn Yan, Hanna Christensen of SC, Andrew Christensen of FL, Sean, Ben and Griffin Emerson of Penn Yan; two great grandchildren, Keegan and Kira Christensen of Penn Yan; several nieces and nephews; and by her three 4-legged grand fur babies, Paco, Howie and Boomer.

In keeping with Bea’s wishes, there will be no services. Contributions in her memory may be made to a charity of choice.