Beverly L. Reed

Palm Beach, FL – It is with heavy heart that we announce the passing of our Mom (and best friend), Beverly L. Reed, on Sunday, March 26, 2023.  She passed peacefully at home surrounded by love. She was the wife of the late Bradford W. Reed and daughter of the late Edward P. Tenn, Sr. and the late Rachel (Moulton) Tenn.

She was born in Boston and grew up in Canton where she graduated from Canton High School, Class of 1964, and was a member of the Honor Society.  At 17, she moved to Boston and started working for Emerson Radio.  A few years later, she moved to Wareham, where she raised a family and worked as an Administrative Assistant for Ocean Spray Cranberries, Lawrence Concrete, and the Falmouth Fire Department.  She also was a Mentor at Big Sisters of Cape Cod.  

In 1997, she moved to Palm Beach, where soon after she opened a legal staffing company, Beverly Reed & Associates, Inc.  She worked with many law firms throughout West Palm Beach and retired after an illness in 2020.  Beverly was extremely proud of the business she built, as well as those she employed and worked with throughout her 19 years.  She was a trailblazer for many.  

Survivors include her 2 beloved daughters, Shelley A. (Corbett) McMahon and her husband, James of Buzzards Bay and Colleen M. (Corbett) Harkins and her husband, Michael of Boynton Beach, FL. She was Nana to Serena, Jake, Joshua, and Rachel McMahon.  Her sister, Jacqueline F. Thomas and her late husband, Russell; she was predeceased by her brother, Edward P. Tenn, Jr. and his wife Donna; sister of the late Mary Luis and her late husband, Frank; sister of the late Nancy Chase; along with many nieces, nephews, and her Terry Lane kids.

Those who knew her, know how she landed herself in Palm Beach.  Her “baby daughter” along with her love for warm weather and ocean waves (everyday of the year).  

Family was her biggest blessing and proudest achievement.  “Her 2 girls” and her grandchildren were her world.  She was known for her big heart and compassion for others, always wanting to help those in need.  She had a generous heart, and yet the spirit of a warrior ~ she never gave up, not on herself or others.  She was a helper in the world, never a taker.  Her Faith gave her all she ever needed.  

She loved being in nature and the outdoors, swimming, bike riding, gardening, and being at the “ranch”.  She enjoyed crocheting, crosswords, making her famous meatballs and loved being with kids (as she said they had more fun than adults).  She was an incredible writer and magical with words, whether they be for comfort, joy, love, or inspiration.  

The best way to end the day for Bev would be at her most sacred place “the ocean”.  It was the most peaceful place in a busy world for her.  If you could not find Bev, you knew she was at her ocean, toes in the sand, waves crashing, covered in sand, with coffee in hand.  Whether by herself, with God, with her girls, or those she loved, that was her piece of Heaven.  

Mom, you are the “Bravest and Most Beautiful” person we have ever known.  When you arrived in Heaven, we know you hopped on your yellow bike (with a blue basket), road it to the ocean and the Celebration began.  You deserved itMom.  Godspeed.

Visiting hours are from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 6, 2023 at Chapman Funerals & Cremations – WAREHAM, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham.

Her funeral will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 7, 2023, at Chapman Funerals & Cremations – WAREHAM, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham.  Burial will follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.

There will also be a Memorial Service for Beverly in Florida at a later date.

Donations in her memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or The Volen Center of Delray Beach, FL.

To share a memory or leave a message of  condolence, visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com.