Beverly Papas

Sometimes, a Tuesday is just a regular day of the week but one day it might be your last Tuesday. How would you spend the last five hours of your last Tuesday? Beverly Papas spent the last five hours of her last Tuesday with the love of her life, George. They were blissfully married for 49 years and 360 days. In 1969, they were set up on a blind date and George, a strapping young Greek merchant marine, knew from the minute he met Beverly, an alluring Armenian nurse, that she was “the best person he had ever met.” And Beverly’s heart grew.

On this particular Tuesday in April, the carefree couple, reunited after a night apart, packed a picnic lunch with Beverly’s favorite sandwiches and went for a ride to the mountains, one of their most treasured past times. Basking in a marvelous spring day, Beverly chattered on about their upcoming Golden 50th Anniversary party: “We need to wear gold, its a theme party!” Beverly delighted in entertaining. Whether it was throwing an open house Christmas with an endless buffet of homemade food and desserts or celebrating life’s sentimental milestones like her first grandson’s baby shower, every chance to host a party was taken. And Beverly’s heart grew more.

As Beverly and George leisurely drove the scenic winding roads around Bear Mountain, they reflected upon their good fortune. Their wonderful children, Stacy and John, were living their best lives, and their lovely daughter-in-law Kate gave them their most cherished gifts - their grandsons, Leo and Griffin. These young boys were the two most important people in the world to Beverly. Dubbed “The Fab Four” - YiaYia, Pappou, Leo and Griffin would spend Saturday mornings at Van Saun Park and the Duck Pond, eating ice cream, playing games, singing silly songs, and telling stories. No Saturday was complete unless it ended with a bowl of YiaYia’s mac-n-cheese. And Beverly’s heart grew even more.

As the late afternoon sun warmed her face and Tuesday started to wind down, Beverly gazed around her home that held so many special moments for her. Her heart was full of love and memories of an incredible life lived for 72 years. And on that Tuesday, Beverly’s heart finally stopped growing.

Beverly leaves behind a legacy of devotional love, unwavering friendship, a fanaticism for holiday baking, and a passion for Elvis. She will be missed dearly by her husband George, children Stacy and John, daughter-in-law Kate, grandsons Leo and Griffin, brother Pete, and her many cousins, extended family members, friends, and neighbors.

A celebration of her life will be planned for a future date. To help in healing, plant some flowers, reminisce about one of your shared moments, or listen to Elvis, her favorite singer. Beverly especially loved his song “Memories"

‘Sweet memories
Of holding hands and red bouquets
And twilight trimmed in purple haze
And laughing eyes and simple ways
And quiet nights and gentle days with you
Memories, pressed between the pages of my mind
Memories, sweetened through the ages just like wine’

Rest in peace Beverly