Beverly Mae Szalai

William Victor and Goldie Dumas Poe were blessed with a beautiful daughter on January 11, 1930, whom they named Beverly Mae. She joined her sister Lois and brother Larry. The family resided in Crown Point, Indiana but she was born in Gary.

Beverly Poe Hoffman Szalai was preceded in death by her parents and sister Lois Poe Lindstrom and brother Lawrence Poe.

Beverly leaves behind husband Frank Szalai; daughters, Lynette Hoffman Dean (Gary), Suzette Hoffman Foryst (Kenny) and Annette Hoffman Rice; grandchildren, Houston Kelly, Travis Kelly, Shay Rice Ragen, Bobby Rice, Garrett Dean, Jenna Dean Harrison: great grandchildren, Katelyn Ragen, Weston Harrison, Wallace Kelly, Savannah Kelly, Madison Kelly, Beau Radcliff; nephew, Jerry Lindstrom; nieces, Pam Lindstrom Grenard, Kari Poe Hale, Vicki Poe Wentworth, Theresa Poe Eichblatt.

Beverly was a member of Olga Baptist Church in Fort Myers, as well as, a previous member of New Life Assembly in Lehigh Acres. Beverly grew up going to church and continued that with her daughters. She especially loved singing in the choir. She had a beautiful alto voice.

Beverly and her family visited Florida in the 60s spending most Christmas vacations with her parents who were some of the original snowbirds coming to Florida for the winter. Her parents had come to Lehigh Acres, after purchasing a lot for $10 down / $10 a month. Beverly and family finally made the move to Florida in 1970 settling first in the Fort Myers area in the Shores then moving to Lehigh later.

Beverly loved everything about Florida, especially the water. She didn’t get to the beach all that much since getting there from Lehigh at that time was quite a drive but when family came down to visit, she was there. She loved collecting shells and sand dollars. Later in life she loved going to see the sunsets on Fort Myers Beach or Sanibel.

Beverly and her family loved going camping while in Indiana and in the late 70s she purchased a VW camper and went camping in Florida. She spent many weekends by herself and sometimes with her grandkids at the Red Coconut Campground on Fort Myers Beach. At one point unknown to anyone she purchased a trailer in Bokeelia, along with a boat. She loved going there, taking some of her grandkids with her at times.

Beverly retired from the Lee County School System in 1995. She had taught in several Lee County schools with Lehigh Elementary being her final school at retirement. After retirement she continued teaching as a substitute teacher. She at one time worked with a mentally challenged adult group home as their social director taking the occupants on various educational field trips around the county.

Beverly was also a certified lifeguard and taught swimming lessons in her pool for many years having taught hundreds of kids in Lehigh to swim. Why not she loved the water.

Beverly was very active with the Order of the Eastern Star in Lehigh having served most positions as well as Worthy Matron several times. She was also active in the Order of the Amaranth.

Beverly ended her wonderfully blessed earthly life and entered her heavenly home on September 13, 2021. We know she was so excited to see her mom, dad, brother and sister again but the very best is she is in the arms of her Lord and Savior. Walking upright again and singing in the heavenly choir.

A memorial service for Beverly will be held Sunday, September 26, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Olga Baptist Church, 2364 S. Olga Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33905.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leememorialparkfuneralhome.com for the Szalai family.