Beverly Jean (Nicholson) Goodrich, 89, passed away peacefully in her home in Collegeville on Saturday, November 16, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on January 6, 1935, in Jermyn, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Lillian (Davis) Nicholson. Beverly grew up in a small cottage on Chapman Lake with her parents and older sister Joan. At age 8, her family moved into a home her father built, where Bev went on to attend and graduate from Scott Township High School in 1952, excelling in business courses and serving as the captain of the basketball team.
After graduation, she began her career as a bookkeeper for Bendix Corporation before dedicating her life to raising her six children in Honesdale, PA. As a devoted mother, Bev’s days were filled with love, hard work, and unwavering support for her children. She served as a Cub Scout Den Mom and was her family’s biggest cheerleader, never missing a wrestling match, track meet, cross country meet, field hockey game, or basketball game. Her dedication extended to volunteering at the Honesdale Hornets wrestling matches, where she ran the snack bar, and helping the boys with their first jobs as the driver for their morning paper routes. This passion continued as she enthusiastically supported her grandchildren in their activities.
Once her children grew older, Beverly worked as a teacher’s aide at the J.J. Koehler School and a cashier at Rea and Derick Drug Store (now CVS). In the early 1990s, she moved to Boyertown, PA, with her beloved mother, Lilian. There, she found joy working as a young toddler teacher at Bright Beginnings Child Care Center, a role she embraced until her retirement in 2008 at the age of 73.
In her later years, Beverly lived with her son Rodney in Gilbertsville and later with her daughter Andrea in Collegeville, where she continued to uphold her sharp wit, love of card games, and generous heart. A lifelong animal lover, Beverly cherished her many dogs and cats over the years, especially her beloved dog Olive, who acted as her loyal companion in her final years.
Known as Bev to those closest to her, Mom to her children, and Grandma Bev to many, she will be remembered for her strong work ethic, boundless love for her family, and selfless spirit. Her legacy of kindness and selflessness lives on through her family and all whose lives she touched.
Surviving are her children Mary Jane Lautenschlager, wife of James; James Goodrich, husband of Karen; Brad Goodrich, husband of Amy; Rodney Goodrich; Andrea Goodrich; and Lonnie Goodrich, partner of Ngoc Lam; grandchildren Trina, Angie, Janea, Julia, Amanda, Cristen, Mathew, Samantha, Abigail, Lucy, Chase, Mollie, Macy, Colby, Max, Mateo, Stella, and Natalia; 9 great grandchildren; and 3 great great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her sister Joan Kapinus; daughter-in-law Lisa Goodrich; and grandson Matthew Lautenschlager.
Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Main Line Animal Rescue in Beverly’s name.