Beverly was born on January 1, 1932, in Royal Oak, Michigan, to Chester & Gladys Kalpin. She was raised with two brothers, Ted and Don, and a sister, Delores. Beverly cherished her childhood in Michigan, spending memorable times with her siblings, friends and her dog Whitey. One fond recollection includes visiting Hagelstein’s Bakers, near St. Mary’s, where she attended both school and church, for breakfast after mass. On November 10, 1951, she married Walter Branowski at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Royal Oak, Michigan, and together they welcomed one son, David. Sadly, Walter passed away on September 27, 1952. Beverly then found love again with Edwin L. McKinney. Edwin told Beverly if they were going to be married he would move them to Colorado. On September 4, 1954, they were married at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Edwin lovingly adopted David as his own. At 22 years old, they embarked on a life journey together, beginning with a honeymoon in northern Michigan. They later settled in Boulder, Colorado, where they resided for over 30 years and were blessed with nine more children.
Beverly's greatest joy in life was caring for her family, a role she fulfilled with boundless love and sacrifice. She dedicated many years to staying at home, nurturing her children, baking over 10,000 loaves of bread, countless cookies, bars, and meals. Beyond homemaking, she imparted invaluable life lessons to her children, teaching kindness, love, and selflessness through her words and actions. A devout Catholic, she instilled these principles in her children, raising them within the Catholic Church.
In 1993, Beverly and Edwin moved to Estes Park, Colorado, where they established a beautiful home for 31 years. Beverly cherished her community of painting friends at the senior center, her Zumba group, amazing neighbors, and church friends at Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church. She actively participated in the Altar and Rosary Society and was a member of the Red Hat Society for a period. Beverly treasured her friendships throughout the Estes area. She enjoyed time in Rocky Mountain National Park with her husband Edwin, indulging in her love for board games, particularly bridge and Rummikub, and keeping up with her favorite sports teams.
Beverly is survived by four sons: Tim McKinney, Matt McKinney (Joanne), Bob McKinney (Cindy), and Tom McKinney; and five daughters: Sue McKinney, Laurie Anne Armstrong (Ernie), Mary Beth McKinney-Mellott, Theresa McKinney, and Andrea McKinney (Rob). She leaves behind 17 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, as well as her sister-in-law, Eleanor Kalpin, and two brothers-in-law, John Paul (Kathy) and James (Carol). Beverly was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edwin, on May 25, 2023. How poignant it is that Beverly joined Edwin on the anniversary of his passing. Beverly and Edwin were preceded in death by their son David McKinney as well as their grandson Logan McKinney.
Services will be held at Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church in Estes Park, CO on Wednesday, June 5th, 2024 at 10:00 am.
**The day was originally printed in the Estes Park News as Thursday, however it is a Wednesday.**
Contributions may be made in her name to St Jude Hospital for Children which was her favorite charity. https://www.stjude.org/content/dam/en_US/alsac/donate/pdfs/Printable%20Donation%20Form%20English.pdf OR (800) 805-5856.
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