Mrs. Beverly M. Morton Sharpe

She was born in Providence, RI on Feb. 12, 1931 to the late Norris T. and Lillian (Rafter) Morton. As the daughter of an army chaplain, Beverly traveled extensively at a young age in Europe and the U.S., including Alaska, eventually graduating from high school in Germany.

Beverly married her beloved husband George on October 27th, 1956 in Providence RI. He predeceased her in 2002. Until her retirement, Beverly had a long and respected career as an R.N. at the former Uncas on The Thames Hospital, and upon its closing, finishing the last few years of her career at the Norwich State Hospital. Her profession allowed her to provide the most delicate of care to patients suffering from terminal illnesses, and as such, many people whom she encountered were on the receiving end of her positive, nurturing and loving nature.

For decades Beverly volunteered at the First Congregational Church in Norwichtown — helping at church fairs and coffee hours, as well as in the music department. She was the “star” of the church choir, where she sang many solo performances. Singing was her passion. When she was young, she had the starring role in a performance of Gilbert & Sulllivan’s “H.M.S. Pinafore” on a respectable stage, which became her claim to fame. All her life, she would share her beautiful soprano voice at every gathering of family and friends. Until recently, she entertained the residents at the nursing home singing at almost every gathering when it was appropriate or asked of her.

“Ave Maria” was one of her favorite songs, and the very difficult “Lord’s Prayer” was one of her most challenging. But Beverly was known to take on challenges. Born blind in one eye and told she would never drive, she would prove all of the experts wrong, finding her only limitation was parallel parking.

Beverly loved taking care of her gardens, again demonstrating her nurturing nature. But beyond her caring and loving spirit, Beverly radiated a charming naiveté that drew people to her and that will be missed by many.

Beverly is survived by her daughters; Laurie Jean Foreman of Brimfield, MA, and Donna Sharpe-Piacenza and her husband Dominic of Waterford, three grandchildren, Christopher Foreman, Heidi Roberts and Gianna Piacenza, four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by her sister, Helen Craik.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 8th at 4:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in Norwichtown. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association by going to their website address at http://www.alz.org/join_the_cause_donate.asp.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.montvillefuneralhome.com as the Montville Funeral Home of Church & Allen has been entrusted with these arrangements.