NORTH WATERFORD —Beverly Jean (McAllister) Martin, 65, left her mortal realm on this earth on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020. We are happy to report that she did not lose her battle with cancer (in fact she won!), as the cancer departed when she did. And since she already beat cancer once in the early 90s, the final score is Mom 1, cancer 0. Her feistiness and stubbornness made her the best role model, and her strong will and determination was evident right up to the end of her earthly journey. Great fight Mom, we’re all proud of you!

Beverly was born Dec. 2, 1955, after her mother, Merle E. McAllister, slipped and fell at nine months pregnant on a cold winter morning in Maine. Due to a very large winter storm, she did not meet her father, Erlon F. McAllister, until the following day. We all know the roads don’t plow themselves!

According to her mother, she was a finicky baby, and a daddy’s girl from the start. As she grew, she drove her mother crazy, with the total support of her father. She graduated from Oxford Hills High School, class of 1974. She enlisted in the Army, where she served for approximately two years, first at Fort Jackson, S.C., then Fort Polk, La. in the 5th Infantry Division. It was while in the Army that she met Roger D. Stewart. He could always spot her marching, because her legs were so short, and she was always slightly out of sync. They married in June of 1977, in Osceola, Ohio. The first of their two daughters, Amanda Stevens (referred to as “the good one”), was born the following March. Bev obtained her LPN at Garnet Career Center in Charleston, W.V., in 1982. In October of 1983, a second daughter, Mindy Stewart (affectionately referred to as “daughter from hell”), was born. Again, Bev returned to school and graduated from Andover College, class of 1988, with a degree in Business.

Beverly went on to specialize in nursing, coaching many families through the toughest times of their lives. She was always full of warmth, laughter and friendship. Her nursing talent always happened behind the scenes, within the homes of the patients she worked with. She was always there for the families. She was passionate about life, living every day to its fullest. She loved camping, kayaking, crafting, a great bargain, spending time with family, and most of all, laughter.

Beverly was affectionately referred to as Mom, Mimi, Auntie Bev and Sweetie. She was a much-loved daughter, sister, mother, wife, auntie, cousin and most importantly, a Mimi. She loved her grandchildren more than anything. She taught them important things like, “when life gives you lemons, eat lemon cookies,” and “ketchup does not belong on hotdogs.”

Beverly is survived by her husband, soulmate and best friend, Joel Martin of North Waterford; two daughters, Amanda Stevens of Westbrook and Mindy Stewart of North Waterford; two stepdaughters, Jodie Heath of Goffstown, N.H. and Jaclyn Tourtelotte of Garland; five grandchildren; a sister, Gloria McKee of Melbourne, Fla.; two brothers, Fredrick McAllister of North Waterford and Keith McAllister of Harrison; her mother, Merle McAllister of North Waterford; and many cousins and extended family.

Beverly is now headed to a long-awaited reunion with her father Erlon; her favorite aunt and many other family members.

A celebration of life will be held at The Brass Rail, 15 Five Kezars Road, North Waterford on Saturday, Jan. 25. The party starts at 1 p.m. A graveside service will be scheduled in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Travis Mills Foundation, 747 Western Avenue, Manchester, ME 04351.