Beatrice Ainslie Kraeck Beatrice Ainslie Kraeck, a former Massapequa resident died in California on June 27, 2010. She was 87 years old and, according to her family, left this world on her own terms. Her three children were graced, they said, to have shared her final week with her.

Mrs. Kraeck, Canadian by birth, was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to John Bryce Ainslie, an awardwinning dog trainer and shepherd and Mona Lane Ainslie. Beatrice was the youngest of five children; Eva Brody, John Ainslie, Edith Ainslie, and Isabelle Cook, all of whom predeceased her.

As a child, Mrs. Kraeck attended the one-room Patterson Public School. This situation enabled Beatrice to excel as she eavesdropped on all lessons, not just her own. The school was willing to promote Mrs. Kraeck to high school when she was only ten. Her mother, believing Beatrice was too young, did not allow her to start high school until she was 12.

Mrs. Kraeck attended Richmond Hill High School in Ontario, Canada where she was on the basketball intramural team. There were no other team sports at that time; Beatrice also enjoyed skiing, bicycling, tennis and lacrosse.

After graduating high school, Mrs. Kraeck studied nursing at Toronto Western Hospital from 1942-1945. She earned a full one-year scholarship to the University of Toronto, which she attended from 1945-1946. From 1952-1954, she continued her studies in New York City at the Teachers’ College, Columbia University where she graduated with a degree in nursing administration and supervision.

It was in New York that she met her husband of 47 years, Thomas John Kraeck. After only four months of dating they became engaged, and they married in 1956. The couple had three children and moved to Massapequa in 1959. While in Massapequa, Mrs. Kraeck was employed as a floor nurse, a nursing instructor, and as a head nurse at Massapequa General Hospital. She worked there from 1967 to 1985. The Kraecks retired to San Diego County in 1986.

Mrs. Krack volunteered extensively with the Veterans of Foreign War Ladies Auxiliary (she was a lifetime member). Additionally, she contributed thousands of hours of service at the Alpine Community Center. When she wasn’t volunteering her time, she acted as tour guide and host for her many friends and family who came to visit sunny San Diego.

Mrs. Kraeck is survived by her children John Thomas Kraeck and his wife Katharine of Yardley, Pennsylvania, Ainslie Ann Kraeck of San Diego, California and Catherine Lane Howard and her husband Keith of Providence, Rhode Island. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Greer Ainslie Howard, Emily Corinne Kraeck, Alison Ainslie Kraeck and Thomas John Kraeck, as well as countless friends. Her husband Thomas John, predeceased her in 2003.

At her request, no wake was held for Mrs. Kraeck. She was cremated and will be interred at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery alongside her husband. A memorial service is scheduled for September.

Beatrice was a fiercely intelligent and independent woman who loved a good laugh. Family and friends were the primary force in her life. She was the glue that held fast those who loved her, near and far. Memorial Services will be held at the Alpine Community Center in Alpine, CA on Wed. August 11, 2010.