Beverlie Jean McQuaig

Beverlie Jean McQuaig, 91, passed away on March 1, 2018 in Seattle. Beverlie was born on November 4, 1926, in Portland, OR, to Richard and Laura Crake. She was raised in Portland, along with her only sibling, twin brother, Richard. She developed her lifelong interest in music playing the piano by ear and listening to opera on the radio on Saturday mornings. The family enjoyed vacations on the Oregon coast. She graduated from Washington High School in 1945, attended the University of Oregon for two years, and after persevering through numerous family obligations, finally received her Bachelor of Arts in Education degree from Portland State University in 1957 with her two toddlers at her side. Beverlie married Douglas McQuaig on August 21, 1949, in Portland. During their 62 years of marriage, they enjoyed traveling, swimming, square dancing, and playing bridge. They spent most of their married years in Wenatchee, with their children, Judy, John and Laurie. Their family life involved camping trips, swim team, and lots of music. The family built a cabin at Lake Chelan and enjoyed many summers on the lakeshore. After retirement, Bev and Doug were snow birds, spending the winters in Green Valley, AZ, and summers at Lake Chelan. Beverlie started her teaching career with fourth graders. She ultimately found her life's work in teaching special education, primarily at Pioneer Middle School, where she developed a work experience program combined with crafts, music, and academics. She fully used her considerable patience in teaching, having the same students for many years. She enjoyed leading her students to Special Olympics events and overnight field trips to Holden Village. Church was always important. She was baptized as a Methodist, a member of Baptist church youth groups in her teens, involved in a Congregational church with her young family, and finally, joined First Presbyterian Church in Wenatchee. There she served as Deacon, Elder, and steady choir member. Beverlie enjoyed a lifelong interest in art. After retirement, she spent much of her time doing all forms of art from sculpture to painting to jewelry and ceramics. Beverlie's "creations" adorn all of her children's homes. Beverlie was preceded in death by her husband Douglas in 2012, her parents, infant daughter, and brother Richard. She is survived by her children, Judy (William) Courshon, John (Melanie), and Laurie (David Ramaley), nine grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 21, at 10:30 a.m., at Saddlerock Presbyterian Church in Wenatchee, with interment to follow. Memorials are encouraged to Washington Special Olympics, 1809 7th Ave., Suite 1509, Seattle, WA, 98101. Arrangements are by Chapel of the Valley, Wenatchee. Beverlie's favorite Bible passage, Psalm 23, was a source of strength to her throughout her life. PS. 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Beverlie Jean McQuaig

November 4, 1926 - March 1, 2018