Beverly Ann Nelson, the saving grace for countless lost doggies and the spiritual matriarch of her family, passed away at age 57 on January 18th, 2017 of pneumonia. Born May 24, 1959, she was a deeply wise soul, a free spirit, and too young to be taken from us.
During her lifetime, Beverly overcame tremendous trials and tribulations through perseverance, hard work, and later, the fellowship of AA. Her difficulties included being a single mother and supporting her kids by herself as a Denny’s waitress. Even in these hard times when they were young, she was a doting mother and still managed to take them regularly to the park and on a vacation to Hawaii, her favorite place on Earth.
She found great solace through books and the written word and volunteered in her school library at Ventura High and later worked for some years as a librarian.
Beverly’s true passion surfaced later in life in a 10 year career as a rescue dog caretaker, rehabilitator, rescue driver, and dog sitter. Beverly worked tirelessly for Dog Adoption and Welfare Group (DAWG) in Santa Barbara. Her teammates and supervisors found her invaluable because she would always take on the toughest dogs who had suffered great issues and were the hardest to handle. Just like with the people in her life, she was incredibly sensitive and empathetic to the dogs, and handled the pain and fears of others with the gentlest touch.
Having previously worked as a school bus driver, Beverly was an expert behind the wheel, and she put her skills to use as a rescue driver for Santa Barbara Aussie Rescue. The founder, Leslie Bloomer, had this to say about her, “Beverly never said ‘no’ to our perpetual appetite for bringing in abandoned and scared dogs - She always created room for them even if it meant more work for her. She saved so many lives with her willingness to drive to far away locations and bring them to safety and the prospect of a loving home.”
Beverly was magnanimous and exceedingly kind, with the biggest heart. She will be infinitely missed. She is survived by her two daughters, Jessica Nelson (23) and Christina Hamilton (27), her grandkids from Jessica, Kilee Nelson and Parker Nelson, and one grandkid who is not yet born from Christina, whom she never had the chance to meet. Her last few years were spent in Ventura, living with and caring for her own mother Elaine Nelson (80) and their dog Tonto. Her three sisters, Lori Bergkamp, Lisa Hernandez, and Debbie Nelson deeply feel her passing, as well as a large family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved her dearly.
Her viewing is Friday, Jan 27th from 3pm to 9pm in the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 E. Main Street Ventura, where a 6pm Service at which we invite Beverly’s friends and loved ones to speak for her. Beverly’s funeral will be Saturday Jan 28th, at 1pm in the Funeral Home and all who knew her are welcome.
We love you forever, Beverly, and we hope you find eternal joy and serenity.