Beverly Ann Downs Mackner

1939 - 2024

Beverly Ann Downs Mackner

July 13, 1939 - September 2, 2024

Yuma, Arizona - Beverly Ann Downs Mackner, affectionately known by many names (Bev, Bo, Mom, Gram, Nana, Gramcrackers, Stepmonkey, Auntie), passed away peacefully on September 2, 2024, in Yuma, Arizona, at the age of 85. Born to Margaret "Peggy" Duncan Downs and Thomas Earnest Downs on July 13, 1939, in Bralorne, British Columbia, she touched the lives of countless people with her warmth, generosity, and sense of humor.

Her family initially left Bralorne for Vancouver, BC, then to Wallace, ID, on to San Pedro, CA, and back to Vancouver for a short period, prior to making their permanent move to Bellingham, WA. While Beverly loved the United States, she remained a loyal Canadian citizen, holding a green card from a young age until her passing.

Beverly was an extraordinary quilter, known for her impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail. She first began sewing when she was a teenager. Shortly after becoming a mother, she began making many of her children's clothes, including her daughters' prom dresses and even clothes for their dolls. But she was best known for her quilts, which were truly a labor of love and cherished by all who received them. She also put her sewing talents to incredible use during the pandemic by making and donating over 3,500 masks to family, friends, and neighbors, created with almost as many unique, colorful fabrics. Passersby were sure to notice the ever-changing rotation of masks hanging outside for the taking on her gate. Her love for sewing was surpassed only by her love of God and family.

She was a proud member of the Red Hat Society, a sisterhood of women celebrating life and friendship. She also enjoyed participating in the Pinheads quilting group, where she shared her passion for quilting with other like-minded members of Bethany Covenant Church.

Beverly is survived by her husband, Richard Weiss; her daughters, Debi Nelson Rapoza (Rick) and Denice Nelson Ghores (Edwar); her grandchildren, Sheldon Rapoza (Nicole), Sean Rapoza, Kellen Rapoza, Jamil Ghores (JJ Brooks), and Sara Doud (Kris); her great-grandchild, Noah Doud; her stepdaughters, Tammy Mackner, Cheryl Zimmerman, and Julie Larsen; her daughter-in-law, Linda Stevens; and "grandson," Darth Macmillan. She is also survived by her first husband, Gale Nelson, cousins, numerous nieces and nephews, and many many wonderful friends. Beverly was preceded in death by her son, Tommy Stevens; her grandson, Rich Stevens; her brothers, Art Downs and Tom Downs; and her former husbands, Jack Mackner and Perry "Pinky" Stevens.

Beverly's spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her, and her legacy will be remembered in the beautiful quilts and memories she leaves with us all.

A service celebrating Beverly's life will be held at Bethany Covenant Church, 1318 S 18th St, in Mount Vernon, WA, on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 11 a.m.

If you have a quilt made by Beverly, please feel free to bring it with you to adorn the church pews. Let's fill the church with Beverly's beautiful quilting work on the day of her service.