Beverly Joyce Brownrigg

Beverly Joyce Brownrigg August 6, 1938 – January 25, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Beverly Joyce Brownrigg, who passed away peacefully on the evening of January 25, 2025, at The Bellingham at Orchard Memory Care in Bellingham, Washington.

Beverly was born on August 6, 1938, in Bellingham to Lawrence and Ardis Johnson. A lifelong Bellingham resident, she graduated from Bellingham High School and shortly after, on November 12, 1960, married the love of her life, Jack Brownrigg. Together, they shared a remarkable life of boating, fishing, and community involvement.

Throughout their lives, Jack and Beverly worked side by side in the local grocery business. They helped open and manage Cost Cutter Foods on the Guide Meridian and later went on to own and operate several neighborhood stores, including Birch Bay Grocery and Marine Drive Grocery. Their entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to the community were a cornerstone of their lives.

Beyond their professional success, Beverly and Jack were passionate boaters and deeply involved in the Bellingham Yacht Club and Wheel & Keel. Beverly served as an officer in both organizations, sharing her leadership, wisdom, and enthusiasm for the Bellingham boating community. She was also a remarkable fisherman, a skill she honed alongside Jack in friendly competition to see who could catch the most and the biggest fish. Their shared love for boating and fishing created lasting memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew them and had the pleasure to spend time with them in the islands.

Beverly's volunteerism was one of her greatest gifts, and she worked tirelessly for causes that were close to her heart. She was particularly involved as a board member with the Alzheimer’s Society of Washington and after Jack’s passing in April 2014, Beverly relocated to the Cordata area, where she became an active member of her community and served on the neighborhood board. Her love of animals steered her involvement with the Bellingham Humane Society as well as steadfast support of the SPCA.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Jack, and her many cherished Cocker Spaniels. She is survived by her sister, Dianne Fry, brother-in-law Ron Fry; Jack’s brother Richard Brownrigg; her niece, Leslie Paterson; her nephew, Mike Fry as well as several great nieces and nephews.

A woman of unwavering love and dedication, Beverly will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the many lives she touched throughout her remarkable journey in Bellingham and Whatcom County. In lieu of flowers, Beverly requested that donations be made to the Bellingham Humane Society.

May she rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love of family and the loyal Cocker Spaniels who always held a special place in her heart.