CORTLAND, Ohio – Eloise Sisley Beda, who lived to the age of 97, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2024. Her extraordinary life was filled with love from family and friends. Born on February 1, 1927, in Kinsman, Ohio, she was the daughter of Rodney and Maude Moore Sisley. The Sisley family has a long history in the region, having settled in northeastern Trumbull County in 1799, years before Ohio became a state.
Eloise was one of seven sisters and attended Kinsman High School, navigating a 17-mile round trip by bus from their farm. After graduating at 17, she enrolled at Youngstown College. With gas rationing during World War II, her parents would drive her to a nearby railroad station where she would catch a train to her college. Eventually, she moved into the Youngstown YWCA, where she worked as a switchboard operator to cover her living expenses. Her father funded her education with the expectation that she would return home for summer work on the farm.
In 1948, Eloise graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and began teaching in the Youngstown Public School system. However, her marriage led to her resignation due to a policy restricting married teachers. In July 1949, she married Alfred Carl Beda at the State Line Methodist Church in Jamestown, Pennsylvania. The couple enjoyed extensive travels, including a memorable honeymoon road trip to New York City and explorations to places like Morocco over their 67 years together.
Residing in Cortland/Bazetta Township, they raised three children, all of whom became college graduates with careers in the arts. Eloise and Alfred were active members of the Optimist Club Bazetta Cortland, contributing to many community projects, including building baseball fields in the local park.
Eloise had a passion for teaching, returning to the profession in 1966. She earned her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Dayton in 1982 and cherished the time spent with her third-grade students. Known for her kindness and intelligence, she left a significant mark on her students and the community.
Eloise is survived by her son, Lynn Beda, his wife Sandy, and her cherished grandson, Hudson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred; their son, Dale; and grandson, Myles. Eloise’s legacy is one of love, education, and community involvement, remembered fondly by all who knew her. No services are scheduled at this time, with arrangements managed by Borowski Funeral Services & Oak Meadow Cremation Services. A television tribute will be aired on November 27 at various times on local channels, celebrating her remarkable life.
