Cambridge-Beatrice H. Hatch, 89, of Cambridge, passed away Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington.

Born February 23, 1928 in Shaftsbury, VT, Bea was the daughter of the late Charles and Grace (Brown) Prentiss.  Bea was a graduate of the Cambridge Union School and worked as a Laboratory technician at General Electric Research & Development in Niskayuna retiring in 1986 with more than 20 years of service.

Bea was of the Presbyterian faith and was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, a member of the Captain Maxson Post 634 American Legion in Cambridge, a member of the Whitney Golf Club in Saratoga Springs and the Red Hat Society in Florida.  Bea was an avid golfer and her famous quote was "I eat, sleep, drink and play golf".  She enjoyed sewing, cooking and most importantly spending time with her family.

Bea and her late husband Bill were active in the Cambridge Volunteer Fire Dept.  She and Bill wintered in Fort Pierce, FL and were active in the community there.  They both enjoyed attending NASCAR races and went to the Daytona 500 for over 20 years.

In addition to her parents, Bea was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, William L. "Bill" Hatch, Jr. who passed away November 7, 2012; her siblings, Josephine Maxwell of Cambridge, Harry Prentiss of Summerville, SC and Arthur Prentiss of Bennington.

Bea is survived by her children, Linda Ford her companion Bill of Hedges Lake, Richard Hatch and his companion Carrie of Lansingburgh, Raymond Hatch and his wife Joan of Schenectady, William A. "Butch" Hatch and his wife Violet of Gorham, NH, Joann Carelli and her husband Charles of White Creek and Judith Hatch of Cambridge.  She is also survived by a sister in law, Gail Prentiss of Bennington; 14 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 3 nieces and 1 nephew.

A calling hour will be from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm Saturday, August 12, 2017 at the Ackley, Ross & Gariepy Funeral Home, 73 West Main St., Cambridge.  A funeral service will begin at 12:00 pm with Fr. Paul Baker officiating.

Interment will follow at Woodlands Cemetery in Cambridge and a reception will be at the Captain Maxson American Legion Post, 2106 State Route 22 in Cambridge.

Memorial contributions in memory of Bea may be made to the Cambridge Vol. Fire Dept., P.O. Box 554, Cambridge, NY  12816.