ROCKLAND — Beverly A. Nelson, 83, died peacefully surrounded by the love of her family, Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the Breakwater Commons in Rockland.

Born in Rockport, December 21, 1941, she was the daughter of Franklin and Lillian Clough. Beverly spent a great part of her childhood caring for and competing with her cherished horse Bay Rum. Beverly was quite talented and won many ribbons for her endeavors and shared stories of traveling all around New England for such events. It was an activity that the entire family enjoyed while she was growing up. Even her father, Franklin, competed with Pony Joe at the same functions. Another important part of her childhood was the close friendship she established with four other residents of Rockport who were affectionately referred to as the Big Five.

She was educated locally and was a 1960 graduate of Rockport High School. While in high school, Beverly met Wayne Nelson on a blind double date. She joked that he was an alternate for a boy who couldn’t go, however, she eventually warmed up to Wayne and at the end of the date agreed to finally sit beside him in the back seat. After high school Beverly attended Westbrook Junior College where she earned an associate’s degree in business administration.

It would appear that Wayne made such a lasting impression that the two were married on June 15, 1963. Beverly and Wayne eventually settled in Rockland where they raised their three boys and resided most of their married life. As the boys were growing up, she stayed home to take care of the brood while Wayne worked. She was very talented and made mittens, scarves, and hats throughout their childhood. The boys put them to good use building snow forts, engaging in snowball fights, and sliding all over Rockland. She also knitted highly coveted and admired Christmas stockings for the entire family, including Bingo the beloved family dog. Speaking of Bingo, she relished sharing a story of when Bingo would come home from a hard day of bird hunting with Wayne and the boys and as soon as he saw Beverly he would immediately fake a limp so that she would pick him up and put all 100 lbs of him in her lap to rock and comfort him, oh what a character he was.

When the boys made it to junior high Beverly decided to branch out and utilized her creative ability as an advertisement designer in the advertising/marketing department at the Courier Gazette. She enjoyed the challenge and the camaraderie of the crew in the department.

Beverly became a little more adventurous later in life and Wayne convinced her to take a hunting course and join him in chasing birds up north, something we never thought Beverly would ever do. Much to our surprise she agreed to take the course and became a very successful hunter, and we have pictures to prove it! Camping was also a passion of Beverly’s, and she enjoyed camping with the family at Alfred Lake Family Campground in Hope while the boys were young, creating memories with other local families there as well. Later in life she especially loved camping at Moosehead Lake with Wayne, making new friends during these adventures.

She was an active member of the Rockland Elks Emblem club. She also enjoyed ceramics classes at a family friend's house where she made gifts for the family that are still cherished to this day. Beverly was a ball of energy and would drive Wayne crazy as he wasn't allowed to sit still for more than a minute, as she had things to do and places to go! This she inherited from her father, Franklin, for sure. She was very outgoing and loved by her children's closest friends who affectionately addressed her as Bevy!

Her infectious smile and positive energy will be sadly missed by all who loved her.

Beverly was predeceased by the love of her life, Wayne Nelson, in 2022.

Beverly is survived by her sons, Daren Nelson and his wife Joanne of Thomaston, Craig Nelson of Warren, and Scott Nelson and his wife Melissa of Hope, and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A celebration of Beverly’s life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either; The Breakwater Commons, 100 Common Drive, Rockland, Maine; The Sussman House, 40 Anchor Drive, Rockport, ME 04856; or the AIO Food Pantry and Energy Assistance, P.O. Box 113, Rockland, ME 04841.

To share a memory or condolence with Beverly's family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter and Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.