Beatrice “Bea” Marcia Heggie, Orinda’s first First Lady, is remembered for a century of civic involvement, volunteerism and community service. Heggie, who died July 21 in San Mateo at age 100, supported organizations including the Orinda-Tabor Sister City Foundation, Montelindo Garden Club and California Shakespeare Theater.
Beatrice (Bea) Marcia Heggie passed away peacefully with family by her side on July 21 in San Mateo at the age of 100, leaving behind a legacy of community and civic involvement.
Bea was a stellar hostess and a dedicated volunteer. When Richard Heggie was elected the first Mayor of Orinda, Bea became the first First Lady of Orinda. She actively supported many organizations such as the Orinda-Tabor Sister City Foundation, Montelindo Garden Club, and California Shakespeare Theater.
From her youth, Bea was a natural leader. She served as senior class president at the Anna Head School before attending the University of California, Berkeley. At Cal, she was a member of the Prytanean Honor Society, president of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and president of the Symphony Forum.
While at Cal, she met her future husband Richard Heggie when she needed a piano moved down the street, and he volunteered to assist her.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Bea embraced living in Japan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India where Richard’s work transferred the family. Bea immersed herself in the local art and culture. After returning to California, she volunteered at the Oakland Museum and the Lawrence Hall of Science. At the Oakland Museum, she joined the first class of docents who were trained to sign for the hearing impaired and remained in that role for 37 years.
Even as her physical strength faded, Bea’s expressive spirit never did. Bea was a beautiful example of how to live life fully, passionately and gracefully until the very end.
Bea is survived by her daughters, Karen, Jennifer and Deborah; sons-in-law, Ray and Ed; grandchildren Sarah (Andrew) and Emily (Stephen) and great-grandchildren Patrick, James, Claire and Luke. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard. In keeping with her wishes, no services are planned.
