Beverly J. Theroux

Beverly J. Theroux, age 90, born January 1, 1934 the daughter of Regina (Savoy) and James Walsh.

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Beverly J. Theroux, at the age of 90, on November 4, 2024. It’s my honor and privilege as her granddaughter to share these memories of a woman well-loved.

Whether you knew her as Bev, Mom, Grams, or Meme, you knew her to embody the best qualities: unconditional love, strength of spirit, and an unending generosity that could be seen in her care for her family. Born on January 1, 1934, Beverly married the love of her life, Edward Theroux, in 1954, and together they raised three children - Sally White, Robert Theroux, and Carol Walker - in a home filled with laughter and warmth. Beverly’s family grew and her love extended to her five grandchildren - Jennifer White, Brian White, Michael Theroux, Tonya Blundon, and Heather Blundon - and four great-grandchildren. Beverly’s dedication to her family, kindness, and gentle spirit made her the cornerstone of our lives. 

Beverly had a special gift for making everyone feel uniquely loved. She never missed an occasion or a special moment, big or small. She would bake pounds - possibly tons - of peanut butter fudge for the family at Christmas. Her grandkids would help her pack and label the tins, our fingers getting sticky, and the smell of peanut butter embedded in our nostrils for days. Sleepovers when we were kids were the best! Beverly let us stay up too late, playing card games at the dining room table, and teaching us how to play poker by betting with pennies. She always seemed to win (and we never questioned why)! She picked out the best birthday cards that always seemed to fit just right - even if her handwritten inscriptions were almost impossible to read. She could do this because she always knew what was going on with everyone. She listened, she cared, and she showed it in quiet and humble ways. Her beautiful, albeit simple, life had an expansive impact, whether she knew it or not. This is evident in the generations that have been shaped by her values - wrap those around you in unconditional love, always put family first, and don’t forget to laugh.

With Beverly, we knew we’d be in for a good time. She had a great sense of humor and was funniest when she wasn’t even trying - like when she insisted on learning the Macarena craze or when she without fail got whatever she was eating on her shirt. Beverly was not one to shy away from a little gossip or a salacious story. One of my favorite memories was from a girl’s trip to the Cape when she inserted herself into some local gossip about a fisherman on a boat. She slipped into an exaggerated Boston accent and had the locals asking her for the juicy details. We laughed and laughed, partially out of embarrassment but mostly at how brazen and funny Beverly was. Her laugh will echo in our memories forever. 

Beverly always loved a good story. She would regale her family at the dinner table, the ladies at lunch, and neighbors at camp with stories of the past. She had an ear for details and she kept in touch with everyone. Her life was a testament to selflessness and the oral history of our family has been passed down through Beverly. She was always proud of everyone and loved to brag about what her children and grandchildren were up to whether it was earning a degree or winning a hockey game - she was a constant cheerleader for the ones she loved. And while she might have loved a little gossip, she never judged her family or loved ones. Through mistakes and stumbles, breakups, and even changing political views (she loved a good debate!), Beverly had our backs. She truly was the thread holding our family together.

Beverly was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward. On their 50th wedding anniversary, I had the honor of acknowledging their love. Their marriage was one we all looked to as a model of what mutual respect, love, and commitment should be. Often Beverly would tell me stories of their courtship. She always counted herself as the underdog in the relationship, lucky to have this handsome, strong man choose her. In reality, Beverly was the strength. When Gramps passed, we worried about her, but we didn’t need to. In her quiet way, Beverly was always an independent woman. She went to school. She kept working even after Gramps retired. When he passed, she leaned into her friendships and family. She showed me, her granddaughter, what it meant to be an individual and still love those around you with unwavering dedication.

Beverly’s love will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. She was our guiding light, and her legacy will continue to inspire laughter, love, and generosity for generations to come. Rest in peace, dear Beverly - our mother, our grandmother, our matriarch. You will forever be loved and remembered.

Calling Hours will be Friday, November 8, 2024 from 10:30-11:30AM at Mack Family Funeral Home, Athol-Orange Chapel, 110 New Athol Rd., Orange, MA. 

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:30 AM at the same location. 

The Burial will follow at Silver Lake Cemetery, Athol, MA. 

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, Funeral Directors.