Beverly D Youree

Beverly D. Youree, 85, was born in Nashville TN November 9, 1935 to Fred Doak Youree and Katherine Bell Youree. Her sister, Gayle, came along two years later and she became the big sister to her brother William when she was 11 years old. Educated in Nashville Public Schools, she graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1952. One teacher, Helen Sterling, made a huge impact on Beverly by taking her and other students to concerts and museums giving them a glimpse of life outside their working-class neighborhood.

Following high school, Beverly attended David Lipscomb University in Nashville and earned a BA in sociology and psychology in 1957. After graduation she joined four other college friends moving to New Jersey where they all secured teaching positions. At that time, if "you could walk and talk" you could get a teaching job. Her first assignment was to teach third grade students that she found eager and receptive. The only difficulty students had with their teacher was trying to understand her strong southern accent when she would give them their spelling words for the following week. Definitely a problem with communication.

Some years later the group of friends, now experienced educators, decided to try California and off they went to Irvine, in Orange County. An overachiever, Bev completed a M. Ed. and a MLIS while teaching full time in California. Life was good but fatigue for teaching set in so Beverly and her friend Pam looked to Vermont where Pam's family lived. They found a motel in Sunderland and became innkeepers. When life changed, she moved north in Vermont and secured a position as the Librarian – Media Specialist in North Hero for the elementary school.

She designed her own home and found a contractor who could build the structure from Beverly's drawings. This move took her to Berkshire Elementary School and 53 acres where she hosted a yearly "Tennessee Barbeque" for women – all invited through word of mouth. This is where she met her wife, Carol Neptôn. Vermont was the first state to adopt Civil Unions for couples and this spot was perfect for couples to take their vows. Hummingbird Haven, as the guest suite was called, became a Bed and Breakfast for couples to be "civilly unionized" with support and acceptance.

Beverly moved to Manchester NH in 2006 where she found volunteering an important component of her life experience. Active with the Massabesic Audubon in so many roles, she was honored by being named a NH Audubon Volunteer of the Year. She also volunteered for the NH AARP and sang alto with the Elliot Voluntaires part of the Elliot Hospital Associates, singing at nursing homes and assisted living centers. Her many talents and generosity will stay with family, friends and acquaintances for many years to come. She is really Unforgettable!

Beverly was predeceased by her father and mother, her sister Gayle Doak, brother, William Youree and niece, Kathy Doak. She is survived by her wife Carol Neptôn, recently celebrating their 19th anniversary two weeks ago and her loving Goldendoodle, Abbey. In addition her niece Bonnie Barnes (husband Kevin), nephews Greg (wife Sanita) and Doug Youree, two great-nieces and three great-nephews. Son-in-law Ted Mottor and wife Danielle, grandsons Jack, Ryan and Tyler of Massachusetts; also son-in-law Robert Mottor and wife Karen, grandchildren Alyssa and Brady of Texas.

At Beverly's request there will be no calling hours or formal service. Please remember Beverly's joy at helping others and being of service to groups that need help. Donations can be made in her name to your favorite cause, Doctors' Without Borders, Dana Farber Cancer Center or the Massabesic Audubon Center (please specify "Massabesic").