Beverly Jean Starrak

Beverly Jean Starrak passed away on November 17, 2025, in her hometown of Lansing, MI, at the age of 70. A person of deep faith, she was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.
Born on May 27, 1955, to the late Joseph and Barbara (Howell) Pohl, Beverly was raised in a busy Catholic household with her five siblings. She graduated from Waverly High with the class of 1973, where she swam competitively including a podium finish at a state meet. Upon graduation, she was accepted to and enrolled in the General Motors Institute in Flint. During these years, Beverly also fell in love with dance, earning multiple ballet certifications.
Beverly met Brett in 1977, and they were married for 48 years. She raised her four children in Lansing, keeping up with their many sports and activities. During these years, she enjoyed teaching dance classes at Studio de Dance. Once the youngest child was enrolled in school, Beverly took a job working at Sexton High School. Later, she worked as an administrator for the Michigan State Medical Society. Her journey continued at the Michigan Catholic Conference, where she worked on behalf of the same causes she championed in her life away from the office. Beverly's career culminated as a Legislative Analyst at Consumer's Energy. Improbably, while continuing to work full time, she managed to earn a Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University, graduating in Summer of 2009 at the age of 54 years.
A devoted Catholic, Beverly grounded her life in her faith. She was active in her church at St. Mary's Cathedral. She frequently donated her time and energy to the homeless, and especially as a passionate Pro-Life advocate, working with Shared Pregnancy Women's Center, and Hannah's House, where she cherished the blessing to care for the newborn babies of single mothers.
Beverly very much enjoyed and took pride in the care of her many plants and flowers, both indoors and out. She was a life-long avid reader, and was always interested in learning new things. Beverly always kept active, swimming laps at the local pool and stretching and practicing yoga every morning. Later in life, she particularly enjoyed get-a-way trips with her husband, family, and girl friends.
More than any of this, Beverly was an incredible event planner and hostess. Every family birthday, holiday, sacrament, graduation, and any other reason to be together was carefully thought out and prepared for. Countless hours shopping and decorating, cleaning and cooking, planning games and activities, were spent making sure no detail was overlooked. She created life long memories cherished by her own children and will be sorely missed by her grandchildren.
Beverly's legacy is carried on by her beloved husband of 48 years, Brett Starrak, and their children: David (Jessica) Starrak, Joel (Maureen) Starrak, Tony (Sara) Starrak, and Maria (Nate) Brookens. Her grandchildren, Jack, Amelia, Sam, Ellie, Henry, Leo, Noelle, Luke, Mark, and Sara-Elena Starrak, and Adam and Evie Brookens. Her siblings, Cathy Pick, Nancy (Jeff) Simpson, Marty (Donna) Pohl, Chuck (Kelly) Pohl, and John (Ann) Pohl. And several nieces and nephews.
Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, her niece Jennifer Simpson, her brother-in-law Tom Pick, and her grandson Gus Starrak.
Beverly lived a life guided by her faith in Christ, and grounded in selflessness. She was extraordinarily disciplined, practical, and wise. Her unwavering loyalty to her friends and family and all who knew her will be remembered always. May the love Beverly shared with all who knew her be cherished and carry on forever.
Visitation for Beverly Starrak will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm with a Rosary beginning at 7:00 pm at Palmer Bush & Jensen - Delta Chapel at 6301 W. St. Joe Hwy, Lansing, Michigan 48917. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 10:00 am at St. Mary Cathedral located at 219 Seymour Lansing, Michigan 48933. Interment will follow the Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Shared Pregnancy - https://sharedpregnancy.org/donate/donate-now/