Beverly Joy Wyckoff Montenat

      Beverly was born on August 11, 1947 along with her twin, Barbara on her older sister Susan's second birthday. Twins were not expected! Brother Steven arrived two years later (two years and two weeks to be exact.) All four siblings were born at Dover General Hospital in Dover, NJ. They are the children of Alfred Wyckoff and M. Carolyn Wyckoff (nee Mackenzie). They grew up in Flanders, NJ.

      Beverly and her siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years. It was a happy childhood. Making up and playing games was part of the fun. A vivid imagination went a long way toward keeping entertained in a small town. While helping her dad in his large garden Beverly developed her lifelong love of flowers and nature. She also played clarinet in the school band. Beverly was in Brownies then Girl Scouts, followed by Senior Girl Scouts. In her spare time she liked to read - a lot. Beverly always had an artistic edge. She designed the grade School Graduation Program cover and dabbled in painting but ultimately found her love in fashion and home décor.

     Beverly graduated from West Morris Regional High School in 1965.

      With a quick smile and an infectious laugh Beverly was a loyal friend to many. She and Christian Montenat met while dancing and were wed in 1976. In 1978 they welcomed son Michael followed two years later by daughter Nicole. Beverly was a devoted wife and mother. Another blessing for Beverly was the gift of Nicole's two children, Sara and Emily. Beverly was proud of her children and her granddaughters were an absolute delight in her eyes. Beverly loved and knew the importance of family. She and Chris hosted many parties and picnics for the entire clan including siblings, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and other relations.

      Beverly loved to dance, read, and travel. Favorite travel destinations included her Cocoa Beach timeshare, France, the Caribbean Cruise and Cancun. She loved the painted ponies of the carousels and enjoyed collecting carousel related items. Her future collectibles included all things Peacock related as she loved the colors of its plumage. She also enjoyed shopping for fashions and home design items. She was proud of her Flanders home. She had a large collection of fashions and jewelry and didn't at all mind being called a diva! She wore the label with enthusiasm.

      Beverly was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Over the years her pet family included dogs Patchy, Blackie, and Cecie and cats Misty and Cougar. But it was adopted senior cat Ittybit that stole her heart and they were best friends for the remaining three years of Ittybit's life.

     For 33 years Beverly was employed by Novartis Pharmaceuticals in the human resources department. She always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done. Beverly wanted a comfortable life for her family, taking on a second job for years working for Avon. She was organized, dedicated and hard working.

  Retirement saw Beverly and Chris relocating to Leland, North Carolina. In retirement, she found renewed pleasure in home design receiving many compliments on her chosen color palette; and loved experiencing new cuisine with her husband as well as making new friends. Even in retirement, Beverly continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Beverly was active in her new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her.

     Beverly passed away on January 2, 2016 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice in Bolivia, NC. She is survived by her husband, Chris; her children, Michael and Nicole; her grandchildren Sara and Emily; her sisters Barbara and Susan. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her beloved brother Steven. Beverly was laid to rest in Oleander Memorial Gardens in Wilmington, NC. On April 16th a Celebration of Life will be held at the United Methodist Church in Flanders, NJ, the church of Beverly's youth       

Simply stated, Beverly was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. She leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Beverly Joy Montenat.