PORTLAND- Beverly Ann Wright passed away on November 10, 2020 in Portland, Maine, where she had recently relocated to be closer to family. She was surrounded with love from her children, Christina, David, and Ray.
Bev was born on August 24, 1950 in Cleveland, Ohio. Growing up, she dedicated countless hours to learning the art of baking from her mother, a skilled baker by trade. Always a hard worker, Bev held two jobs while completing her associate degree. One to rarely treat herself, she was proud to pay for her first car — a yellow, convertible Ford Mustang — all on her own. She and her late husband, Ray, later moved to Syracuse, New York, where they raised their family and lived for more than 30 years. While juggling two young children and with a third on the way, she miraculously completed her B.S. in Nursing at Syracuse University.
Always filled with energy, Bev was constantly in motion and driven by wanting her children to have the best possible childhood. She showed her boundless love in many ways, including tender hugs, comforting back rubs, and never-ending “I love yous.” She tirelessly supported her children’s various academic and athletic pursuits. She packed bagged lunches with handwritten notes each morning and cooked healthy meals from scratch each evening. She filled their bellies with homemade baked goods — cookies, pies, and breads — the recipes of which were passed down from her own mother.
When her children grew older, she reentered the workforce as a registered nurse, serving initially at an allergist’s office and later for the Syracuse City School District. Later in life, she and her husband moved to Niantic and then Waterford, Connecticut. She volunteered each week as a front desk receptionist at the nearby Ronald McDonald House, a home for families of children receiving treatment at nearby medical facilities. When not volunteering, she cared for her late husband with dementia and also made time to kayak, finding peace, solitude, and restoration with nature.
Bev had a heart filled with pure love for her family, which was on frequent display throughout her life and especially so in her final days. One of her greatest joys was being a grandmother — reading and telling stories, going on walks, and participating in rounds of games. Her children, grandchildren, and the innumerable patients and families she served will forever carry in their hearts the kindness and love she shared so freely.
Now passed, she is reunited in the afterlife with her husband of 42 years, Raymond L. Wright, Sr., who passed on January 14, 2020; her parents, Francis and Winifred Thaler; and her brother, Frank, and his wife, Tangee. She leaves behind many loving family members, including children Ray (Marie), David (Daisy), and Christina (Shannon); grandchildren Raymond, Benjamin, Reese, and Winnirose; and family dog, Irish, who was her constant companion. Bev’s family is grateful to the following individuals and organizations for the care they provided: Ellen and Robin, Anne, Nadia and staff from Visiting Angels, Dr. Lattanzi and staff at Smilow Cancer Hospital Care Center, Dr. Inhorn and staff at MaineHealth Cancer Care, MaineHealth Care at Home, Hospice of Southern Maine, and The Rev. Bill Blaine-Wallace.
Always proud of her Irish heritage, referring to herself until the end as an “Irish warrior,” we send Bev on her journey accompanied by this Irish blessing:
May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, and the rain fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be sent to the Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts. A memorial celebrating Bev’s life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com