Beatrice Laura Winters , lovingly known as Bea to her family and friends, was born on August 1, 1933, in Long Beach, California, and passed peacefully in her sleep on Monday, October 6, in Lincoln, California.

Bea was the daughter of James Edward and Laura Mary Costigan and one of six siblings: Madeleine Bussiere, Irene Botta, James Costigan, Kenneth Costigan, and Billy Costigan (who passed in 1955).

After graduating from St. Joseph's Hospital School of Nursing in Providence, Rhode Island, Bea moved to California to begin her nursing career. It was there she met William Harrison Winters (Harry), whom she married on December 26, 1959. Together, they raised five children: William (deceased), James (deceased), Michael, Joseph, and Kathy.

Bea was among the first nurses hired at Fountain Valley Hospital when it opened in 1971. She worked in Pediatrics and Orthopedics until her retirement in 1993. Harry retired six months later, and the two spent their retirement years traveling—often hiking the mountain where the Crazy Horse Memorial is being carved in South Dakota. They also enjoyed frequent trips to Las Vegas and Laughlin, often joined by her sister Madeleine. One especially memorable moment was when Bea won a pickup truck at a poker tournament—a truck her son Joseph still drives today.

Bea was widowed in 2015. She was preceded in death by her son William (Bumper) in 1976, her son James in 2006, and her daughter-in-law Rose in 2021. She is survived by her children Michael, Joseph, and Kathy; her son-in-law Brian; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Some of Bea's fondest memories were of camping trips with Harry and the kids. She and Michael would read together in the camper while Harry and the others rode dirt bikes. She also loved road trips across the country with Harry, visiting her sister Irene and husband Chuck in Chicago, her brother Ken and wife Nancy in Virginia, and her brother James and wife Lindsay near Sacramento.

While Bea loved classical music and Harry preferred jazz, they found common ground in their shared love of Frank Sinatra, whom they saw in concert during their many Vegas trips. Bea was also a devoted Angels fan and enjoyed attending games with her family.

In December 2019, Bea surprised many by getting her first passport at the age of 86. She traveled to Cabo San Lucas with her son Michael, son-in-law Brian, and Brian's mother Rica—making return trips in 2020 and 2022.

In August 2022, Bea moved to Lincoln, California, to live with her children Joseph and Kathy. She spent her days working on jigsaw puzzles, visiting her brother James and his wife Lindsay, and reconnecting with her Costigan cousins. In August 2023, she celebrated her 90th birthday with a surprise party attended by her siblings.

Bea was immensely proud of all her children, but especially of her daughter Kathy, who followed in her footsteps and became a nurse. She never missed an opportunity to share how proud she was of the nurse—and woman—Kathy had become.

Services:
The Rosary will be held on Friday, October 24 , from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at McCormick & Son Mortuary in Laguna Hills.
The funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, October 25 , at 10:30 a.m . at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Laguna Hills, followed by interment at Good Shepherd Cemetery in Huntington Beach.