Beatrice Cornellie Hughes of Lawrenceville, GA, has passed away, leaving behind a family and community who loved her dearly.
What follows is a brief look at the life her family wishes to share.
Beatrice spent her working life as ['the medical field at Montefiore Hospital in Bronx'] — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
A life is built quietly, day by day.
Beatrice Cornellie Hughes was born on May 25, 1946, in Paramaribo, Suriname, to Renee Hughes and Emily Braams (Ykenhoff). She immigrated to the United States in 1966, where she built a life rooted in hard work, compassion, and dedication to others. Beatrice peacefully departed this life on April 27, 2026 in Lawrenceville, GA, with family by her side.
In 1968, Beatrice began her career in the medical field at Montefiore Hospital in Bronx, New York, working as a Nurse's Aide for 27 years. Determined to advance professionally, she became a Registered Nurse in 1994. She continued her career at Beth Israel Hospital as a Registered Nurse and Head Nurse of the Geriatric floor, where she faithfully cared for patients with skill and compassion for 17 years until her retirement in 2012.
Beatrice was preceded in death by her father, Renee Hughes; her mother, Emily Braams; her stepfather, Manfred Braams; her brothers, Dennis and Friedeman; her sister, Rinia; and her nephews, Milton and Waheed (Orlando).
She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Jennifer Van Eckelen; sons, Emanuel (Tamika) and Sharif Van Eckelen; grandchildren, Satish, Ashanti, Shukri, Jaden, and London; and great-grandchildren, Wali Jr., Aasim, Waheed, Iyyad, and Sage.
She is also survived by her brother, Ivan; sisters, Lucie (Ivan Prade) and Victorine; along with a host of nieces and nephews.
Beatrice will be especially remembered for the unwavering love and care she shared with her family. She is also deeply cherished by her "daughter-in-love," Tamika, who devotedly cared for her until the very end.
Beatrice Cornellie Hughes will also be remembered for her strength, kindness, and lifelong commitment to helping others. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
