NORTH CLARENDON, Vt.  — Beverly Ann Hawkins loved people, communicating, and being part of her children’s lives.

She died unexpectedly on Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022, at the Rutland Regional Medical Center. She was 90.

Born Sept. 5, 1932, in Rutland, Vermont to Raymond and Delia Gould, she was raised on the family farm. She graduated in 1950 from Rutland High School and immediately began working as a secretary at Central Vermont Public Service as well as helping on the family farm.

“She taught Sunday School at the Old Brick Church in Clarendon and in 1953 married her lifetime soul mate, Lester ‘Turk’ Hawkins,” her family wrote in a tribute. “She stayed in the area while he was deployed with the Navy and soon after he finished his service, they moved to the Albany area in 1956.

“They purchased land in Voorheesville in 1960 and Bev kept busy, helping to build their home which they lived in for 45 years and where they raised their two sons, Rod and Greg.

“While living in New York, Bev worked as an office secretary at Prudential Insurance Co., as a tech writer for Walter Motor Trucks, as office manager for All Purpose Construction, and as the teachers’ secretary at Voorheesville Elementary School until she retired. She was also a member of the United Methodist Church of Voorheesville.

“A tremendous lover of people, communicating, and being involved in her children’s lives, Bev kept busy as a Cub Scout den mother; tending vegetable and flower gardens; supporting an assortment of school activities, which included getting the boys to and from piano lessons, football games (and everything in between); square dancing; and being a member of the Heldeberg Twirlers.

“She was a master seamstress and could sew just about anything (including wedding gowns). An impeccable housekeeper, she also loved crocheting, decorating, needlepoint, cooking, baking. and whatever creative project came her way.

“One of her favorite pastimes was watching the antics of the hummingbirds and of her great-grandchildren! Hosting holiday gatherings for family and friends both in Vermont and New York brought her much joy.

“Travels took her by way of plane, train, auto, ship, and motorcycle to Aruba, Hawaii, Alaska, Peru, Cooperstown, and most recently this past year to Maine. A natural athlete, she could hold her own skating, tobogganing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and climbing Haystack Mountain.

“Dressing up for Halloween was always a big deal and oh how she loved to chat! Eventually moving back to Vermont in 2000, a new home was constructed.

“While living in North Clarendon, she became a member of the Pawlet Community Church, becoming a vital component to the monthly pork suppers (always shopping for the best deals); she also volunteered for a few years at the Mettawee Community School library.

“Life brought much joy to Bev and her easy smile would light a room. Being with friends and family always made her happy and joyful. Treasure the chats that she shared with you and remember her smile when you recall them.”

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Beverly Hawkins is survived by her husband of 69 years, Lester “Turk” Hawkins; by her brother, Raymond Gould; by her sons, Rod Hawkins and his wife, Deb, and Greg Hawkins and his wife, Chris; by her grandchildren, Luke Hawkins and Heidi, Morgan Jackson and Grady, Erika Schroeder and Steve, Tom Stauch and his girlfriend, Lakota Gannett; by her great-grandchildren, Cheyenne, Sophie, and Jason; and by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Her son David died before her, as did her parents, Raymond and Delia Gould; her sister, Bunny Moulton; and her grandson, Brian Stauch

A memorial service was held at the Pawlet Community Church on Dec. 31.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Pawlet Community Church, Post Office Box 116, Pawlet, VT 05761.