On October 29, 2016, Beverly Lee Shannon O'Connor, formerly of Everett MA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, at the Island Terrace Nursing Home in Lakeville, MA. Beverly was born in Tewksbury, MA but lived most of her life in Chelsea and Everett MA. Beverly was the beloved wife of almost 60 years to the late John P. O'Connor. She was the loving mother of Kathleen Sullivan and her late husband Peter of Barnard Vermont, Carol O'Connor and her partner Neal Vandewalle of San Diego California, and Shawn O'Connor and his wife Laura, of Middleboro, MA. Beverly was also the beloved sister of the late Barbara McIsaac of Bellingham, MA.
"Nana" Beverly was especially proud of and dearly loved her four grandchildren Peter Sullivan and his wife Dana of Marblehead, MA, Laura Sullivan of Derry, NH, Kayla O'Connor of Providence, RI and Kyle O'Connor of Middleboro, MA. She was also the loving great grandmother of Carter Caroline, Peter Broden and Nolan Patrick Sullivan, all of Marblehead MA.
Beverly was always committed to working hard, and had a wonderful sense of humor. While her husband John was serving in World War II, Beverly worked at a local machine shop. Following the war, Beverly and her husband John owned and operated the Broadway Diner in Chelsea MA. Her homemade soups and baked goods; especially her whoopie pies, were really delicious.
The work that Beverly was most passionate about was helping her own and other children to have happy, healthy childhoods, and to grow into responsible adults . Towards this goal, Beverly was a devoted foster mother and helped improve the quality of the lives of many children for over thirty years. She often said that she did not get paid very much money; but she was rich in love from all of her kids. Beverly loved and supported all of her kids, but she was especially close to sisters Linda Padula, the late Holly Rovinelli, and Mariko Bernier, all of whom she raised since they were small. Many of the children she fostered have brought their own kids up to know John and Beverly as their grandparents; which is a tribute to their loving care.
For many years, Beverly enjoyed volunteering as the parent chaperone and helping with the fund raising efforts for the St. Therese Drill Team in Everett MA. She was known as "Momma Beverly" to many of the kids on the Drill team and to all 82 of the kids who grew up in the Ashton St. area of Everett. She would often coordinate various informal after school activities like playing games, especially Scrabble, which was her favorite and she was tremendously good at playing. These activities were designed to keep the kids busy, have fun learning, and most importantly; to stay out of trouble.
In addition to her immediate family, Beverly was also loved and treasured by her nieces, nephews, her many foster children and their families, and her many friends. Several of her friendships have stayed strong for over 60 years, which is remarkable. Her long term friends include but are not limited to: Carole Tamagna, Joanne and Jimmy Magno, Lenny and the late Marie Heywood, and Ruthie Callahan. In addition, Beverly has been friends with Mary and the late William Stamatis, for over 73 years; since they were 15 years old.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to help celebrate Beverly's life. Visiting hours will be held at the Rocco Funeral Home, 331 Main St. Everett MA on Wednesday, November 9th from 3-7 PM. A funeral will be held at the Rocco Funeral Home on Thursday November 10, 2016 at 9 AM, followed by a Mass of Catholic Burial at St. Anthony's Church, 38 Oakes St. Everett, MA at 10:00. Following the Mass, interment will take place at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden MA.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Beverly's name/memory to:
The Resident Activities Fund
Island Terrace Nursing Home
57 Long Point Road
Lakeville, MA. 02347
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