Obituary of Beverly Samuelson

Beverly Samuelson passed away from life peacefully at her home in Santa Cruz with her husband, Jack, holding her hand at her bedside. The good life of Beverly began almost 85 years ago in Long Beach, California. At the age of 5 she lost her mother and assumed the role of the big sister to her older and younger brothers. Married life followed, raising three boys in Long Beach. Her family subsequently lived in Portland and then New Jersey. As a single mom she moved her family to start a new life in Santa Cruz near her dear brother Hardy, his wife Ruth, and their four children. It was there she met Jack, and they began their life together. Beverly was hired by Jack to be the secretary to the facility manager at the Santa Cruz Lockheed facility located above Bonny Doon. They began dating soon after and were married in 1977. They enjoyed 37 years of married life together. Among the many experiences they enjoyed were several European trips, weekends at the Kon Tiki in Pismo Beach, as well as trips to the Hawaiian Islands. After 18 years of driving Empire Grade to work, she retired to begin the next phase of her life. Beverly always loved a good story and found great pleasure in books and movies. In retirement she could really indulge these interests. She also enjoyed sharing tales with friends and family members. In addition Beverly found great pleasure and joy helping tend to her brother Hardy's extensive terraced country gardens in Santa Cruz. Beverly had a passion for knitting. With her loving and tender touch she created over 75 blankets (throws) for family, friends, and military troops. She even knit blankets for pets in need! Her throws are a constant reminder of her warm and loving spirit. Beverly was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a wonderful cook most famous for her potato salad. This was a "secret recipe" that she happily shared with her family, in detailed notes. Even with these notes no one could quite replicate Nana Bev's potato salad! All family get-togethers required her dish but everyone knew to give her plenty of warning to ensure its arrival. A crab cake connoisseur, it was always her first choice on a menu. Fellow diners awaited her verdict and stamp of approval. Beverly was an honest, kind, and honorable woman. She had a warm and beautiful smile, elegant style, and graceful manner. She was respected and loved by all who knew her. It made sense that Valentine's Day was her absolute favorite holiday. Though she was not a pet owner she got to know and love many of the pets (whom she lovingly referred to as her "grandkitties" and "granddoggies") in her extended family. Some of them even received a Valentine's treat as well. She will be forever loved by her husband Jack, her three sons, Steven Firestone (Carol) of San Francisco, John Firestone (Lori) of Fountain Hills, Arizona, Tim Firestone of Fresno, her step-children Julie Walls (Harrison), Mark Samuelson (Pamela) of Santa Cruz, as well as her eight grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Beverly's family sends a special thank you to the wonderful caregivers at Hospice of Santa Cruz County for their loving end of life care. In lieu of flowers her family requests that donations can be made in Beverly's memory to Hospice of Santa Cruz County (www.hospicesantacruz.org) or your charity of choice. A Celebration of Beverly's Life will be held at Oakwood Memorial Crystal Chapel, 3301 Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. A Reception will follow at the Oakwood Reception Center