Obituary of Beverly Stark

BROOKSVILLE, FL - Beverly Holmes Stark, 87, passed away on May 15th in Brooksville, FL. She will be remembered for her devotion to family and friends, positive outlook in life, and many generous acts of kindness. 
Bev spent most of her early life in Fall River, MA, where she graduated from Sacred Heart Academy. She was a member of the Framingham Teacher's College class of 1952, and taught Home Economics in New Haven, CT and Newton, MA. She and her husband Cliff moved to Woodstock in 1958, where they raised four sons. While there, she earned her realtor's license, and was successful largely due to her integrity and desire to help both buyer and seller. Over the years Bev developed many lifelong friends through various community activities. She was involved with the Woodstock Nursery School Marathon Bridge group, was a Cub Scout den mother, and helped fund raise for the Woodstock Nursery School and Woodstock Community Health Association. She was active in the local senior citizens group and organized their craft club.
Bev was an accomplished seamstress. Her granddaughters loved the adorable American Girl doll outfits she made. Whenever a family member or friend was celebrating the birth of a new baby or a child's birthday, they could count on Bev sending a package of handmade baby balls, toys and bibs. Even after suffering a stroke, she continued to create crafts. Beverly was thoughtful: she sewed gifts for people she didn't know, put together care packages for armed services members, and bought backpacks and clothing for needy children. She loved bridge and other card games and was playing right up until the time of her passing. She also loved to shop, always hunting for a "bahh-ggin." But she rarely purchased anything for herself; instead she looked for gifts for her family, children in foster care, and others. When asked to recall her favorite memories, she often spoke of happy summer days at the family cottage in Portsmouth, RI. She enjoyed sailing "candy" boats, playing bingo in the community house, sitting in a chair with her feet in the salt water, and just enjoying cherished times with her brother Ray, family members, and friends. 
Beverly was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Clifford D. Stark, and her youngest son, Steven. Beverly leaves sons Jeffrey and his wife Valerie of Natick, MA; Douglas and his wife Amy of Whitinsville, MA; and Philip of Spring Hill, FL; and her five beloved grandchildren, Brian, Kevin, Kristabel, Joy, and Molly, and their families. She will also be greatly missed by her nieces and nephew, cousins, extended family, and numerous treasured friends. Her sons and their families are especially grateful for her devoted helpers in Florida that loved and cared for Bev during her last years. Calling hours are Saturday, June 3 from 2:00-3:30 PM, with a "celebration of life" service immediately following. Both events will be held at the Evangelical Covenant Church, 24 Child Hill Road, Woodstock, CT. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Evangelical Covenant Church. www.smithandwalkerfh.com