Beatrice Dragotta (née Capriolo), beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 16 at the age of 98. She shared a long and devoted marriage with her husband, Dominic, from 1958 until his passing in 2002. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, and tradition. Some of their happiest memories were made during summer trips to Manitowish Waters with their son, Tom, where the days were filled with sunshine, laughter, and the simple joys of being together. Even on vacation, she brought a taste of home with her—making pasta and meals from scratch so that her family could enjoy her cooking no matter where they were.
Nothing brought her greater joy than her two grandsons, Michael and Joe, whom she adored beyond measure. She lovingly babysat them when they were little, filling their days with stories, hugs, and homemade chicken soup and cookies. The bond she shared with them—and with her entire family—was a cornerstone of her life.
Proud of her Italian roots, she carried forward the traditions, flavors, and love of her heritage in everything she did. She was happiest in her kitchen, stirring a pot of pasta sauce she learned to make from her mother, rolling perfectly seasoned meatballs, layering her lovingly made lasagna, or baking batches of her treasured Italian cookies. Her home was always filled with warmth, the smell of simmering tomatoes, and the promise of something delicious made with care. She enjoyed hosting large family get-togethers with the Capriolos and Dragottas.
Family gatherings, holidays, and any occasion, big or small, were made sweeter by the trays of homemade Italian cookies she proudly brought to share. She had a special way of making everyone feel like family.
Beatrice was a long-time member of St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in Brookfield where she made close friends and offered her “altar angel” cleaning skills into her 70s.
She is survived by her son, Tom, and his wife, Sue; her cherished grandsons, Michael and Joe; sister, Marylyn Jeffords; and many loving nieces, nephews, and friends. They will forever cherish her recipes, her traditions, and the love she poured into every moment of their lives.
She was preceded in death by her husband Dominic Dragotta, parents Vito and Philomena Capriolo, sister Rose Capriolo, brother and his wife, Sam and Julia Capriolo, brother-in-law Clarence Jeffords, nephews Father Vic Capriolo and Mike Capriolo, and beloved aunts Sister Mary Michael Vitucci and Grace Civitavecchia.
Her legacy lives on in the meals she taught others to make, the memories she helped create, and the deep love she shared so freely. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the same warmth she gave so abundantly in life.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at Lake Country Health Services and Agrace Hospice for their loving, compassionate care and support.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at St. Dominic Catholic Church 18255 W. Capitol Dr. Brookfield from 10am until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30am. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.
