Beverly E. Yocum, 97, of Hampton, N.H., passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Sunday morning, Nov. 11 in Haverhill.
Born in Dorchester on Aug. 4, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Saul J. and Minnie (Cohen) Rosenthal. Yocum was educated in the Boston school system and graduated from Roxbury High School. She trained as a licensed practical nurse with the first class to graduate from Beverly Hospital. She enlisted in the Army during WWII and served as a surgical technician. Upon her honorable discharge, Yocum was employed at Town Manor Nursing Home in Lawrence, the former Hale Hospital in Haverhill and as a private duty nurse for the majority of her nursing career.
Yocum moved to Haverhill in 1976 and was very active in the AMVETS post 53 in Salem, volunteered at the North Shore Music Theater for over 20 years, loved painting, photography, square dancing and was an avid bowler. She was an amazing woman who exemplified living life to the fullest, embracing and finding joy in every stage of life through strength, resilience, fierce independence and a touch of stubbornness. Her deep love of family was evident in her smile whenever they were near. She could often make you laugh with her intelligent quick wit punctuated by a sly smile, while her sweetness and love could be felt simply by being in her presence. She will forever be missed and loved.
Yocum was predeceased by her brothers, Ralph, Milton, Manuel, and Joseph Rosenthal, a sister, Susan Patterson and two sons-in-law, Stephen Greenfield and Anthony Favara. She is survived by her children, Judith M. Greenfield of Newmarket, N.H. and Sandra R. Favara and her husband Gene Roaf of Hampton Beach, N.H., three grandchildren, Stephanie and her husband Timothy Moore of Seabrook, N.H., Jaime Favara and his wife Tina of Kensington, N.H., and Scott Favara and his wife Kim of Raymond, N.H., six great-grandchildren, Timmy Moore, Torrey Moore, and Jaysen Moore of Seabrook, N.H., Anthony and Adriana Favara of Raymond, N.H., and Lucca Favara of Kensington, N.H., two great-great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her calling hours on Wednesday, Nov. 14 from 6-8 p.m. at the H.L. Farmer and Sons Funeral Home, 106 Summer St., Haverhill. Her funeral service will be Thursday, Nov. 15 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Bradford. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the NHSPCA PO Box 196, 104 Portsmouth Ave., Stratham, NH 03885 or at www.nhspca.org.