Alverda Mae (Crowley) Beal left this earth on May 28th 2019 after complications surrounding a heart attack. Alverda, also known as “Verda Mae” was born on Beals Island, in Alley’s Bay on April 14th, 1936 to Louisa (Backman) and Lindell Crowley. Alverda grew up in Alley’s Bay, and was baptized at the Alley’s Bay Advent Christian Church, which always held a special place in her heart. Alverda had many “Alley’s Bay Friends” from her childhood and spoke of them often. Alverda and her family spent summers at their camp at Black Duck Cove, where she learned to swim. In school, she was involved in many activities including band and cheerleading. Alverda met the love of her life, Stanley Beal, in grade school. Things were made official on February 21st, 1956 when they were married at the Advent Christian Church on Beals Island, surrounded by family and friends.
Alverda joined Stanley in Anchorage, Alaska, where Stanley was stationed in the U.S. Air Force from 1954-1958. Upon moving home to Beals in 1958, those that knew Alverda knew she had left her heart in Alaska, and she spoke of it almost daily. If you asked Alverda what her greatest accomplishment was, she would have said her family. Alverda and Stanley started their family in October 1959, when their daughter Melinda Leigh was born. One year later, their first son Glenn Stanley was born, and another year later, a daughter Melanie Jean. Seven years went by and another son, Lindell Larry was born and their family was complete.
Alverda enjoyed countless hours of photography and scrapbooking and time spent at “the cottage” at Schoodic Lake. Alverda’s faith in God was important to her and she spent most of her life attending the Advent Christian Church on Beals Island. Doting on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were her pride and joy, was “Nannie’s” favorite past time. No sporting event was ever too far for “Nannie and Bampie,” and they spent hundreds of hours on the road “chasing” their grandchildren throughout their high school and even college sporting careers. Such was her thoughtfulness, that if there was an upcoming birthday or anniversary, you can bet she had a card printed off and ready to go in the mail. Her card ministry was very meaningful to her. Family was the most important thing in her life, and this was evident in the way she showed love to all of us over the years. We are forever thankful for her, and she will be missed and loved by all who knew her.
Alverda was predeceased by her parents, Lindell and Louisa Crowley, a brother Harvey Crowley, many special family members and friends, and her son Lindell, whom we know she had been ready to see since his passing nearly seven years ago.
Those surviving Alverda include her husband Stanley, daughter Melinda Beal, son Glenn Beal and wife Diane, daughter Melanie Alley and husband Thurman, a daughter-in-law Pamela Beal, and brother Larry Crowley and fiancée Lisa Look; Seven grandchildren: Jeanna Carver & husband Byron, Jonathan Alley & wife Ashley, Joni Alley & fiancé Jeff, Tina Beal, Justin Alley, Louisa Beal, and Garet Beal & girlfriend Nicole; Seven Great-grandchildren: Jazmin & Kennedi Carver, Arianna & Jensen Alley, Jameson & Briella Ramos, and “JJ”; a special niece Patty Mae Carter & husband Howard, and special nephew Christopher Crowley and wife Christy. Alverda also leaves behind special friends Lorna Alley and Gail Beal, and Debbie Kelley, whom she thought of as a daughter.
A celebration of Alverda’s life will be held Saturday June 1st, at 1 pm at the Congregational Church at Sawyer Square in Jonesport. A committal service for close family and friends will follow at the Sewall Field Cemetery on Beals Island. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Moosabec Ambulance Service, P.O. BOX 164, Jonesport, ME 04649.
Condolences and memories may be shared with her family at www.mcclurefamilyfuneral.com