Obituary for Beverly June Brink
Memorial Service: May 14, 2022, 1 pm EDT
Please join us for a celebration of the life of Beverly Brink, at a service on May 14, 2022,
at the Dennis Union Church, in Dennis, MA. The service will be held at 1 pm in the
sanctuary, and will be followed by a reception at the church.
We invite you as well to share your memories, stories, and even photos of Bev on the
Memory Wall in this site—it will be a joy to hear from you.
Beverly Brink, a remembrance
Beverly Brink, 92, of Yarmouth Port, MA, passed away at home on December 10, 2021,
with her husband of 70 years, Edward Brink, and her children, at her side.
We, her family, were fortunate to be enjoy her humor, her love of singing—and most of
all, her love of family and friends. She left us after 8 years of living with Parkinson’s
Disease, and since, we have been trying to figure out how to represent an extraordinary
human being in just a few paragraphs. We think of her in so many ways—as a leader, a
professional, an advocate, a musician, an adventurer, a great cook, a terrific parent, a
dedicated friend, a committed spouse—and just good company.
Bev, as her friends call her, was equally comfortable planning an intimate dinner for
friends or a high-powered, week-long professional conference. She was a skilled
organizer, committed to serving her community. She loved music, especially singing
and choral music. Her laugh was infectious—a roomful of people would find
themselves laughing along with her, even if they weren’t sure why.
Beverly June Beitel was born in Avalon, PA, on May 10, 1929, to Oliver Clifford Beitel
and Sylvia (Pressler) Beitel, a few months before the onset of the Great Depression. Bev
would quip that she was born and the stock market crashed.
Bev was involved throughout her school years in music and athletics. She played the
piano, sang in choruses and played basketball and field hockey. She graduated from
Avalon High School in 1947, receiving the women’s Jack Brice Memorial Award for
Athletics. Few people know that Bev played on a semi-pro women’s basketball team
after graduation. She continued to sing, including in an Andrews-Sister-style “girl
group.”
Perhaps the most important high school event was a sophomore-year hayride—a first
date with Ed Brink, whom she had known since second grade. That hayride sealed the
deal on a lifelong love, friendship, and partnership. Bev and Ed (coincidentally, the
men’s recipient of the Jack Brice Award) were a team. In the high school choir, Bev sang
tenor so she could sit with Ed and help him learn the music—at least that was her
excuse. An only child, Beverly often visited Ed’s family of ten children for Sunday
dinner. She stuck with him even after her offer to help landed her on the back steps
husking a bushel basket of corn. Bev and Ed were married on December 15, 1951, the
beginning of rich 70 years together.
One of Bev’s much-appreciated talents was her love of travel and her ability to arrange
excellent trips for family and friends. Beautiful cabins on New England lakes, lodges
with ocean views, barge cruises from Amsterdam to Budapest, apartments in the Swiss
Alps, intriguing study-trips among natural wonders—she had a knack for finding
destinations that all members of the party would enjoy.
Bev’s taste for adventure was honed when Ed was drafted into the army and sent to
Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. Not wanting to miss a good time, Bev climbed
on a train and headed to Seattle. She boarded a freighter and sailed through the inland
passage to what would become the 49th US State.
While in Anchorage, Bev worked for officers on Elmendorf Airbase. But she reveled in
the opportunity to explore the wild northern terrain with Ed. Photos recall fishing trips,
hikes to glaciers, astonishing flowers and landscapes, and picnics and celebrations with
their friends. Bev excelled at making friends and creating community wherever she
lived. People were her priority—a priority that guided her life.
In 1957, after their return to the mainland, Bev and Ed moved to New Jersey, where Ed
landed a teaching job at Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey.) They
eventually bought a house in nearby Pennington. They settled into the community and
raised three children: Nancy Sue, David Oliver, and Jonathan Edward.
Bev’s professional skills and demeanor made her a reliable (and sought after)
community volunteer. At the Pennington Presbyterian Church, she was Clerk of
Session, served on multiple committees, and was always ready to help with a meal or
other community project. She was a member of the Delaware Valley Unit of the Herb
Society of America, and a Cub Scout leader for David and a den of mischievous boys.
And of course, she joined the church choir. Music was always part of her life. She
played in a recorder ensemble and sang in summer musical productions at Washington
Crossing State Park. Nancy and David got their first experience on stage when they
sang with their mother in the chorus for The Music Man.
While her children would agree that she was the best mom ever, Bev was not one to stay
at home once said children were school-aged. “I just really like to work,” she would say.
She liked the people, the challenges, the problem-solving, and the satisfaction of a job
well done. Bev’s work life led in many directions, including jobs as a pre-school teacher,
for Upward Bound, for a company that evaluated ski resort safety, and more.
Most significant was her position as Executive Administrative Secretary for the
Construction Industry Advancement Fund and the Associated General Contractors of
New Jersey. As the first woman to hold the position, she was often the only woman in
the room. Her competence and good nature, however, soon won over any reluctant
members. Her job also connected her with the local Women in Construction chapters.
Bev retired from many years at AGC in 1992, traveling with Ed to Lancaster, England,
for a year-long sabbatical at St. Martins College. Once again, she made the most of the
opportunity for adventure, traveling to Norway, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Wales, and
throughout England—she especially loved the Lake District. As usual, Bev got
involved, joining a quilting group, volunteering for OxFam, and most important to her,
establishing friendships that continued for the rest of her life.
In 1997, after the birth of their first grandchild near Boston, Bev and Ed moved to Cape
Cod. Bev had always wanted to live near the ocean, and fell in love with Millway Beach
and the harbor. For 15 years they lived in Barnstable Village, and moved to
Heatherwood in Yarmouth Port in 2010.
As you would expect, Bev dove into life on Cape Cod. She volunteered at the Cancer
Thrift Shop in Barnstable, with Eventide Arts, and with the local chapter of the service
organization, P.E.O. International. Bev was deeply involved with Dennis Union Church
and Church Women United. Of course, Bev joined the church choir, WomenSong, a
madrigal group, and played in the Pilgrim Church handbell choir in Harwich.
Bev made the most of living on the Cape. She and Ed volunteered at the Wellfleet
Audubon Preserve, participated in the Hawk Watch at Pilgrim’s Heights, and the
Horseshoe Crab census on Sandy Neck. She enjoyed sharing places she’d found on the
cape with their children and grandchildren, who thought it grand that they’d retired to
such a beautiful place.
At a celebration for their 40th anniversary, Ed gave Bev a card that read “Fairy tales do
come true.” How lucky we are to have shared so many years with her! She enchanted
our lives on a daily basis. She brought so many of you, our friends, into our world.
We invite you to join us in celebrating her life by singing a song, admiring a beautiful
flower, or doing something kind for someone else.
In gratitude, from her husband of 70 years, Edward F. Brink (Yarmouth Port);
her three children and their spouses: Nancy Sue (and Steve) of Berkeley, CA, David
Oliver (and Kathy), and Jonathan Edward (and Angela);
and her five very special grandchildren: David/DJ (Vancouver, Canada), Scott (Austin,
TX), Nicholas (Rochester, NY), and Alexander and Charlotte (Barnstable, MA).
To Honor Beverly Brink
If you would like to honor Bev, we ask, in lieu of flowers, that you donate in her name
to a food bank or other program that supports families in need. We support the Hands
of Hope Food Pantry on Cape Cod, but if you would prefer, please donate in her name
to an organization that serves your community. You can designate donations for Hands
of Hope made to the Dennis Union Church or through the Cape Cod Council of
Churches.
Obituary lovingly written by the family of Bev Brink
Please join us for a celebration of the life of Beverly Brink, at a service on May 14, 2022,
at the Dennis Union Church, in Dennis, MA. The service will be held at 1 pm in the
sanctuary, and will be followed by a reception at the church.
We invite you as well to share your memories, stories, and even photos of Bev on the
Memory Wall in this site—it will be a joy to hear from you.
Beverly Brink, a remembrance
Beverly Brink, 92, of Yarmouth Port, MA, passed away at home on December 10, 2021,
with her husband of 70 years, Edward Brink, and her children, at her side.
We, her family, were fortunate to be enjoy her humor, her love of singing—and most of
all, her love of family and friends. She left us after 8 years of living with Parkinson’s
Disease, and since, we have been trying to figure out how to represent an extraordinary
human being in just a few paragraphs. We think of her in so many ways—as a leader, a
professional, an advocate, a musician, an adventurer, a great cook, a terrific parent, a
dedicated friend, a committed spouse—and just good company.
Bev, as her friends call her, was equally comfortable planning an intimate dinner for
friends or a high-powered, week-long professional conference. She was a skilled
organizer, committed to serving her community. She loved music, especially singing
and choral music. Her laugh was infectious—a roomful of people would find
themselves laughing along with her, even if they weren’t sure why.
Beverly June Beitel was born in Avalon, PA, on May 10, 1929, to Oliver Clifford Beitel
and Sylvia (Pressler) Beitel, a few months before the onset of the Great Depression. Bev
would quip that she was born and the stock market crashed.
Bev was involved throughout her school years in music and athletics. She played the
piano, sang in choruses and played basketball and field hockey. She graduated from
Avalon High School in 1947, receiving the women’s Jack Brice Memorial Award for
Athletics. Few people know that Bev played on a semi-pro women’s basketball team
after graduation. She continued to sing, including in an Andrews-Sister-style “girl
group.”
Perhaps the most important high school event was a sophomore-year hayride—a first
date with Ed Brink, whom she had known since second grade. That hayride sealed the
deal on a lifelong love, friendship, and partnership. Bev and Ed (coincidentally, the
men’s recipient of the Jack Brice Award) were a team. In the high school choir, Bev sang
tenor so she could sit with Ed and help him learn the music—at least that was her
excuse. An only child, Beverly often visited Ed’s family of ten children for Sunday
dinner. She stuck with him even after her offer to help landed her on the back steps
husking a bushel basket of corn. Bev and Ed were married on December 15, 1951, the
beginning of rich 70 years together.
One of Bev’s much-appreciated talents was her love of travel and her ability to arrange
excellent trips for family and friends. Beautiful cabins on New England lakes, lodges
with ocean views, barge cruises from Amsterdam to Budapest, apartments in the Swiss
Alps, intriguing study-trips among natural wonders—she had a knack for finding
destinations that all members of the party would enjoy.
Bev’s taste for adventure was honed when Ed was drafted into the army and sent to
Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. Not wanting to miss a good time, Bev climbed
on a train and headed to Seattle. She boarded a freighter and sailed through the inland
passage to what would become the 49th US State.
While in Anchorage, Bev worked for officers on Elmendorf Airbase. But she reveled in
the opportunity to explore the wild northern terrain with Ed. Photos recall fishing trips,
hikes to glaciers, astonishing flowers and landscapes, and picnics and celebrations with
their friends. Bev excelled at making friends and creating community wherever she
lived. People were her priority—a priority that guided her life.
In 1957, after their return to the mainland, Bev and Ed moved to New Jersey, where Ed
landed a teaching job at Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey.) They
eventually bought a house in nearby Pennington. They settled into the community and
raised three children: Nancy Sue, David Oliver, and Jonathan Edward.
Bev’s professional skills and demeanor made her a reliable (and sought after)
community volunteer. At the Pennington Presbyterian Church, she was Clerk of
Session, served on multiple committees, and was always ready to help with a meal or
other community project. She was a member of the Delaware Valley Unit of the Herb
Society of America, and a Cub Scout leader for David and a den of mischievous boys.
And of course, she joined the church choir. Music was always part of her life. She
played in a recorder ensemble and sang in summer musical productions at Washington
Crossing State Park. Nancy and David got their first experience on stage when they
sang with their mother in the chorus for The Music Man.
While her children would agree that she was the best mom ever, Bev was not one to stay
at home once said children were school-aged. “I just really like to work,” she would say.
She liked the people, the challenges, the problem-solving, and the satisfaction of a job
well done. Bev’s work life led in many directions, including jobs as a pre-school teacher,
for Upward Bound, for a company that evaluated ski resort safety, and more.
Most significant was her position as Executive Administrative Secretary for the
Construction Industry Advancement Fund and the Associated General Contractors of
New Jersey. As the first woman to hold the position, she was often the only woman in
the room. Her competence and good nature, however, soon won over any reluctant
members. Her job also connected her with the local Women in Construction chapters.
Bev retired from many years at AGC in 1992, traveling with Ed to Lancaster, England,
for a year-long sabbatical at St. Martins College. Once again, she made the most of the
opportunity for adventure, traveling to Norway, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, Wales, and
throughout England—she especially loved the Lake District. As usual, Bev got
involved, joining a quilting group, volunteering for OxFam, and most important to her,
establishing friendships that continued for the rest of her life.
In 1997, after the birth of their first grandchild near Boston, Bev and Ed moved to Cape
Cod. Bev had always wanted to live near the ocean, and fell in love with Millway Beach
and the harbor. For 15 years they lived in Barnstable Village, and moved to
Heatherwood in Yarmouth Port in 2010.
As you would expect, Bev dove into life on Cape Cod. She volunteered at the Cancer
Thrift Shop in Barnstable, with Eventide Arts, and with the local chapter of the service
organization, P.E.O. International. Bev was deeply involved with Dennis Union Church
and Church Women United. Of course, Bev joined the church choir, WomenSong, a
madrigal group, and played in the Pilgrim Church handbell choir in Harwich.
Bev made the most of living on the Cape. She and Ed volunteered at the Wellfleet
Audubon Preserve, participated in the Hawk Watch at Pilgrim’s Heights, and the
Horseshoe Crab census on Sandy Neck. She enjoyed sharing places she’d found on the
cape with their children and grandchildren, who thought it grand that they’d retired to
such a beautiful place.
At a celebration for their 40th anniversary, Ed gave Bev a card that read “Fairy tales do
come true.” How lucky we are to have shared so many years with her! She enchanted
our lives on a daily basis. She brought so many of you, our friends, into our world.
We invite you to join us in celebrating her life by singing a song, admiring a beautiful
flower, or doing something kind for someone else.
In gratitude, from her husband of 70 years, Edward F. Brink (Yarmouth Port);
her three children and their spouses: Nancy Sue (and Steve) of Berkeley, CA, David
Oliver (and Kathy), and Jonathan Edward (and Angela);
and her five very special grandchildren: David/DJ (Vancouver, Canada), Scott (Austin,
TX), Nicholas (Rochester, NY), and Alexander and Charlotte (Barnstable, MA).
To Honor Beverly Brink
If you would like to honor Bev, we ask, in lieu of flowers, that you donate in her name
to a food bank or other program that supports families in need. We support the Hands
of Hope Food Pantry on Cape Cod, but if you would prefer, please donate in her name
to an organization that serves your community. You can designate donations for Hands
of Hope made to the Dennis Union Church or through the Cape Cod Council of
Churches.
Obituary lovingly written by the family of Bev Brink