Sending condolences to the family. I share a poem my family has found comfort in
Death Is Nothing At All ~ By Henry Scott-Holland
Death is nothing at all.
It does not count.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Nothing has happened.
Everything remains exactly as it was.
I am I, and you are you,
and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by the old familiar name.
Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no difference into your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was.
There is absolute and unbroken continuity.
What is this death but a negligible accident?
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you, for an interval,
somewhere very near,
just round the corner.
All is well.
Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before.
How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!
My heartfelt condolences to Jerry and Bev's family. Bev was truly a unique individual who inspired so many from all walks of life. Her energy and beautiful aura made everyone feel like they could accomplish anything they set their creative minds to. iMagemaker Gallery was the Port Credit community's place to get creative - Bev you have left your brushstroke on each of our hearts. I will truly miss you.
Our deepest sympathy to Jerry, the boys and all of Bev's family. She was an amazing and very generous person. I will miss her.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family for the loss of such a wonderful woman.
I didn't know Beverly for years or even incredibly well. I didn't know a lot of details of her life. I had been to several of her art exhibitions; she had kindly come to my best friends art show; I met her once at a family function; I exchanged emails with her during her illness. And once we rode the GO train together. Just the two of us. Like old friends.
The words that come to my mind when I remember Beverly are "beautiful" and "good". Beverly was a beautiful person. She was a good person. I think these are among the greatest and most rare of attributes. I don't think I've ever met someone who has radiated such peace and serenity. To be in her presence was to always feel warmth, kindness and concern. When we met or talked she always went out of her way to make me feel welcome and always took an interest in what I was doing.
I am sure I am not the only person who felt this way when they were with Beverly. Beverly left us too soon. We all feel the loss of her going, none more so than her family. But we can all take comfort in having known Beverly. Having known a truly beautiful and good person. I can think of no greater honour for Beverly than if we choose to be - as she chose to be - a good person.
I wish I had gotten to know her more. But I didn't. But what she accomplished in life and her attitude towards life and all those she loved will always be an inspiration to me as it will be to others. Beverly touched so many lives on so many levels. Regardless of time, she will always remain a beautiful and good person.
From Ecclesiastes:
For everything there is a season, and time for every matter under heaven.
Thank you Beverly for all your warmth and kindness and rest in peace.