Beverly Phelps

Greenfield, MA - Beverly A. Phelps, 77, longtime resident of Bernardston, MA and more recently, Greenfield, passed away on January 2, 2024, after a brief illness. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward Phelps. Bev was born in Stoneham, MA to Warren and Julia Brown. She grew up in Eastern Massachusetts and graduated from St. Patrick's High School in Lawrence. In the summers, she traveled throughout the US with her parents and older brother, Norman. That love of adventure continued in her adult life, and she and her husband, Ed, visited Iceland, Japan, New Zealand, Greenland, and Scotland. After a trip to Guinope, Honduras, Bev founded a project to raise funds to provide uniforms and school supplies so children in impoverished circumstances could attend school. She attended UMASS Amherst and earned an associate degree in visual arts from Greenfield Community College. She worked as an insurance agent to farmers throughout the Pioneer Valley and as a church music director and organist. Playing music brought her joy, and creating art was her passion. She captured memories, moments, people, and places in colorful acrylics, watercolors, pastels, and photographs. Supporting other artists was also important to her, and she served as a Board Member of the Deerfield Valley Art Association and was proud when she and other members opened its gallery in Northfield. Her other interests included golf, knitting, sewing, jewelry making, mahjong, crossword puzzles, and Scrabble when she could find an unsuspecting or willing victim. Bev and Ed were married for over 41 years, and each brought two daughters from prior marriages and together they created a loving, vibrant family in a home full of books, good food, music, art, and friends. She believed deeply that children are individuals who should be nurtured as they find and follow their own path, and her love for her daughters and grandchildren was a strong bond that defied physical distance. Bev is survived by her daughters, Sandra Haynes (Barry Deitz), Laura Chambers; stepdaughters, Ruth Iida (Keisuke), and Martha Phelps (Daniel Lepow); brother, Norman Brown (Yolanda) and his family; ten grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; her fiancé, Gerald Nordstrom; and numerous cousins. A celebration of life is being scheduled for this summer when her widely scattered family can all come together. Donations in Bev's memory can be made to the Deerfield Valley Art Association or an arts organization in your local community. Photo by Ruth Iiada.

Kidder Funeral Home, 1Parker Ave. Northfield, Mass. Is in charge of arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Recorder on Jan. 13, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Beverly Phelps

10 Entries

penny pitts

October 8, 2024

How affirming it was to have known Bev. Her devotion to the Deerfield Valley Art Associaion encouraged so many of us seeking to express ourselves through visual arts. She was the first person I met in the organization and her welcome was so genuine and personal. She was a person who made others feel more grounded, more secure. I am grateful to have known her, am thankful for her life.

Barry Bilicki

January 27, 2024

It is with deep sadness on hearing of Bev's passing. She will be missed. My Condolences to her family

Stacia Nordin

January 18, 2024

What a BEAUTIFUL obituary. I´ve learned so much from it they I sensed she was likely like. I knew Bev via my mom who was born the same year and was friends via her dad, my granddad. Bev followed my Facebook life and travels and I see why she always commented on my work in Malawi and travels around the world. I would have loved to meet here, but it will have to wait until Heaven!

Maryann Kaslow

January 17, 2024

Bev , You will remain in my heart forever. You were my very special "sister", and I will cherish all the fun times we had growing up together. With deepest sympathy and love to your family. Maryann Kaslow

Roberta Bilicki

January 16, 2024

I am so sorry for the loss of Beverly. I always felt welcomed into the family by her wonderful mother Julia and Beverly carried on the feeling to me even after I was not married into the family anymore. I appreciate how Beverly was close to my daughter Kristina and the people Beverly brought into our lives at a later date. Beverly is with Auntie Julia now. We will miss you very much.

Alane J Bruce

January 15, 2024

Condolences to all of Bev's family. She was a wonderful woman who will be truly missed.

JASON PHELPS

January 15, 2024

Sorry to hear. Bev was a talented and loving person (definitaly had lots of talents), and the whole Phelps and Facebook families will surely miss her. JTP

Kristina Paape

January 15, 2024

My heart is sad to hear of the passing of my cousin. Beverly was such a special person. There was so much magic to her home, love in her art, and she put so importance in connection/family. Thank you for always loving me and being a special person in my life.

My love and thoughts are with my family, friends, and all those that held a special place for Beverly.

Norman Brown

January 14, 2024

Beverly, we miss you and I also miss our weekly phone conversations. You will now again be with Mom and Dad and our other relatives who have arrived in Heaven. Love Always and Forever Norman

Paul Koons

January 13, 2024

I have special memories of our trip to Honduras and the great contribution she made to the UCB connections there. Also, Friday golf in our foursome with LLoyd and Jonathon.

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