Beverly Anderson

Beverly S. Anderson, 77, loving mother and friend, adored grandmother and treasured daughter, joined her parents peacefully and became one with the light and love of heaven on June 24 after a prolonged and courageous battle against early onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Beverly was adoringly nicknamed “Bones,” and those who knew her best called her “Bev.” She was the epitome of class and grace, with a Jackie O kind of style. Bev was a kind and loving individual to all who had the great pleasure to know her. Her sharp wit, coupled with a contagious laugh and married with just the right amount of sass and sarcasm, would often result in tears of laughter at her family’s escapades or inside jokes.

Bev had a charmed childhood while growing up in her early years in White Plains, New York. She was the only child of the late Albert and A. Frances (Weeks) Silk. News of her arrival came via telegraph, as her father served in the Army Air Corps and was overseas. After World War II, her family moved east and settled in Winchester.

Bev was an honor roll student. She excelled in an incredibly competitive student body and was a highly regarded friend and classmate. These traits translated into many different career roles throughout her beautiful life. However, the role that stood out and in which she shined so bright in was “Nana” and, of course, “Mom.”

Beverly had a love and appreciation for many things in life. Her most cherished was time with family. She loved to travel and had the opportunity to visit many exotic and beautiful places around the world. Hawaii and Bermuda were her absolute favorite. She loved great food, although baking was her absolute forte. Beverly enjoyed music, the arts and books, and she loved a good movie. She always had a furry friend at her feet and had a tremendous love for all animals. However, that paled in comparison to the unspoken devotion and immeasurable pride and love she had for her family.

Beverly is survived by her two children and their families: her loving son, Richard K. Anderson, his supportive and caring wife, Linda, and their loving daughter, Sophia; and her very best friend and devoted daughter, Lynn M. (Anderson) Arena of Hopkinton, her always present and dedicated son-in-law, Joseph Arena Sr., and their devoted, loving and compassionate children Joseph and Jaymie. She also is survived by her former husband, Matthew, to whom she was married for 24 years. This family has loved Beverly all the days of their lives, in good times and bad.

The loss this disease has created is immense, and her beautiful soul and warm loving presence will be forever missed. The Arena and Anderson family wish to share their heartfelt gratitude to all who cared for Bev and touched her life during this time, most recently, Faith & Family Hospice and Carlyle House.

Beverly’s family invites all to a celebration of her life on July 22, starting with visitation from 9-11 a.m. at Callanan Cronin Funeral Home, 34 Church Street, Hopkinton. A memorial service will follow at 11:30 a.m. in St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 27 Main Street, Southborough.

Donations in Beverly’s honor may be made to our local Alzheimer’s chapter.

Obituaries are submissions, typically from funeral homes, that are not subject to the same level of editorial oversight as the rest of the Hopkinton Independent. Obituaries may be edited for grammatical and factual mistakes and clarifications and shortened for space considerations.