VINALHAVEN — Beatrice I. Young, 81, of Vinalhaven, died at her home on Thursday, March 1, 2018. She was comfortably taken care of at home by her family in keeping with her final wishes. An island native, spending the majority of her life on Vinalhaven, she was referred to by most as "Beatie."

The daughter of the late Walden J. and Hildred Y. Hildings, Beatrice attended Vinalhaven Schools graduating in 1954. During high school Beatrice played basketball, softball, was a member of the Press Club and the French Club. In 1953, she had a role in "Hi-Jinks" which was performed in the Rockland High School auditorium. During her high school years, she met Gene Lazaro, who was stationed at Saddleback Light while serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. Soon after graduation, the couple moved to New Orleans, married on December 3, 1954, and began their family. After only a few short years of moving south, Gene suffered an unexpected death. Beatrice chose to move back to Vinalhaven to be with her family. On July 14, 1968, Beatrice married James Young, and her family continued to grow. After nearly two decades they divorced.

Beatrice had a strong work ethic and extreme dedication. She worked offshore gill net fishing, managed the fish plant, and went lobstering for many years. For the past 27 years, Beatrice has been greeting customers with her infamous smile and wit at "Island Lobster Supply". Engaging in heated conversations with local fishermen about any topic brought great joy to her.

A beautiful woman inside and out, she will be missed by the many people whose lives she touched in various ways.

Beatrice was predeceased by her first husband, Gene Lazaro, their first-born daughter, Donna Rose, and her sister, Elaine Philbrook. Surviving are her children, Gene (Laura) Lazaro, Donna (Kenny) Webster, Walden (Anna) Lazaro, Sophia (Jim Cogswell) Lazaro, Julie (Bill) Haley,, Alan (Penny) Lazaro, Kathi Young, Elaine Lyon, and Jimmy (Jamie) Harris all of Vinalhaven; 21 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service followed by a reception will be held at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, March 17, 2018 at the Union Church of Vinalhaven with the Rev. John Potter officiating. If desired, memorial gifts may be made to the Vinalhaven Public Library, P.O. Box 223, Vinalhaven, ME 04863. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com. Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.