Beverly Nyman

On April 3, 2022 we said goodbye to Beverly (Bever) Nyman who after many years of mental and physical health challenges, died from a cardiac event. Though her life accomplishments as defined by traditional measures may have been modest, her victories over debilitating mental health issues and dedication as a mother and wife are what made Beverly’s life a remarkable one. Her fortitude in the face of what were immense obstacles remind us of the true nature of what success is.

Beverly Rachel Nyman was born in Fitchburg, MA on August 5, 1934, the third child of Florence Forshner and Samuel Bever. Beverly graduated from Fitchburg High School in 1953 and earned her LPN from Winthrop Community Hospital in 1955. Beverly married Richard Nyman in November of 1954, a marriage that lasted over 67 years. While being a dedicated mother to four children Beverly held numerous administrative jobs over her life at companies that included Quality Fruits of Fitchburg, SEARS Roebucks in Leominster and finally settling into working as an office manager for several doctors and dentists in the Fitchburg area for over 15 years.

For many years Beverly was a dedicated member of the parish of Christ Church in Fitchburg serving as a guild member and on the vestry. She was known for her friendly and welcoming manner for both long term church members and newcomers. She was always ready with phone calls to inquire about members who needed support and encouragement when they were struggling.

At home Beverly was an expert scrap booker compiling over 60 books for her children and both immediate and extended family. Her photo albums were especially notable – organized and annotated with quips that always brought laughs and smiles. Beverly also loved to garden and worked side-by-side with her husband Richard in maintaining a stunning and well-manicured lawn and garden. A true source of pride for both of them.

Over her life Beverly enjoyed many different hobbies including sewing, jigsaw puzzles, gardening, raising chickens and turkeys and recreational activities such as skiing, swimming, backpacking, hiking and cycling (even learning how to ride a bike as an adult – a difficult feat). Later in life, Beverly enjoyed binge-watching numerous TV series including Highlander, NCIS, and various “law and order” shows with her husband.

In the 1950’s and 60’s a person’s mental health was poorly understood. The stigma and lack of treatments available led to a strong sense of shame and loneliness. Physiologically and psychologically Beverly struggled with imbalances that manifested as obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety. Despite these personal and societal barriers, Beverly fought all her life to manage her symptoms and provide a stable home life for her family. She was an early adopter of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, a now worldwide secular meditation treatment. She persevered through years of therapy and medication in attempts to find quality of life. And though not always successful she never gave up. Her family understood that her efforts and resilience were not only for her, but for her family as well.

Beverly was predeceased by her husband Richard, her eldest son Mark, her three siblings Robert Bever, Ralph Bever, and Betty DeCarolis, her father Samuel Bever, mother Florence Forshner and her stepfather Otto Rossner. She leaves behind three children, 14 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Marcia (her daughter) and Eric Flinkstrom and family: Hilary (Flinkstrom) and Michael McGinness family (Braiden, Caleb, Avery), Ethan Flinkstrom, Emily Flinkstrom and Jay Wilgus family (Jasper and Merick), Rachel (Flinkstrom) and Jesse Hardie family (Cooper and CJ), Sam Flinkstrom and Roxanne Poulin family (Summer), Chad and Taylor Flinkstrom family (Aili), Zachary Flinkstrom and Colby Wood and Kayla Flinkstrom. Martin (her son) and Carolyn Nyman and family: Sydney, Jackson and Shelby Nyman. Matthew (her son) and May Nyman and family: Kaarina, Flynn and Devin Nyman .

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to the Care Central VNA & Hospice, 34 Pearly St. Gardner, Mass. 01440 whose staff provided incredible and compassionate care for both Richard and Beverly or donations to the Ashburnham Lions Club, PO Box 813, Ashburnham, Mass. 01430 .

Joint calling hours for Beverly and her husband Richard will be held on Thursday, May 5th from 2 to 4pm at Christ Church in Fitchburg, MA. A memorial service (also at Christ Church) for both of them will be held on Friday, May 6th at 11am, to be followed by a luncheon. All are welcome to join and celebrate the life of these two amazing people.