Beverly Donna Honan

September 18, 1942 – July 12, 2025
Portland – Beverly Donna (Schools) Honan, 82, a most refined, stylish and graceful woman, left this earth with her children and dearest friend by her side on July 12, 2025, in Portland. Born in Houlton on September 18, 1942, Beverly was one of 10 children of John and Azilda (Guerrette) Schools.
She and her family moved to Portland where she attended St. Dominic's School then Portland High School, graduating in 1960. At 16, she met William "Bill" Honan and, as they say, the rest is history. They married in 1964 at St. Pius X in Portland and then moved to Brookline, Mass. where Beverly taught nursery school and worked at a florist (a precursor to her lifelong love of flowers). Following a move to Marblehead, Bill and Beverly (or "Blub" as she was affectionately called) welcomed their first child, William Patrick. From that moment on, Beverly took on the most fulfilling role in her life, as a mother.
When the young Honan family returned to Maine, Beverly insisted on settling in Yarmouth where she knew her children's education and upbringing would be exceptional. Daughter, Molly Elizabeth arrived nearly eight years after her brother. Beverly supported her children in every single endeavor – she rarely missed a field trip, tennis match, concert, or late-night pick-up duty at the Maine Mall. She instilled in her children the importance of faith, politeness, compassion, dressing well, enjoying beautiful things, cooking a good meal and getting up to dance.
During her many years as a summer resident of Peaks Island, Beverly became known for her signature style, often in flowing linen and a straw hat, riding her bike to see various friends and curating wildflower arrangements. She had a keen eye for "projects," finding furniture at yard sales to decoratively paint and gift to friends or resell. She often painted flowers, inspired by her gardens and ever-present bouquets. Her creativity was reflected in everything she did and created.
After 30 years in Yarmouth, she and Bill moved to Danforth St. in the West End where she created an urban oasis in the side yard with a rose garden complete with European inspired details and objects often secured from her beloved nephew, Stephen Schools.
Her nearly 60-year marriage to Bill was a testament to true love. Through significant ups and downs, they persevered and supported one another. Life was challenging following Bill's death in 2024, but she found joy in visits with family and friends, and most especially with her children.
In addition to Will and Molly (DiLorenzo) and their families, Beverly is survived by five siblings, many nieces and nephews, and dear friends.
Her children wish to thank the dedicated and compassionate staff of Fallbrook Woods, where Beverly lived for the past year and a half. While at Fallbrook, her brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Patty Schools, and her friend, Deb Chase, were a constant source of love and support.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the chapel of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress St., Portland. An appropriately beautiful garden party will be celebrated at a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Homes of Portland; flowers may be sent to 172 State St. Portland. To view Beverly's memorial page, or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.
The family kindly requests that donations be made in Beverly Honan's memory to support the St. Elizabeth's Library and other initiatives that support the growth of faith in children and youth at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Checks can be made to: Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress St., Portland, ME 04101, or online at https://portlandcatholic.org/faith-formation.