Obituary of Beverly Valentine Cashman

BEVERLY VALENTINE CASHMAN died peacefully in her sleep early Tuesday morning, August 17, 2010 at Dominican Oaks in Santa Cruz, California. She was born on October 14, 1918 in the borough of Queens, New York City. Beverly attended Columbia-Presbyterian School of Nursing, and during that time, she was introduced to her future husband by her best friend Audrey. On October 25, 1941 she was married in Richmond Hill, New York, to Robert Murray Cashman. After honeymooning in Niagara Falls and Bath, Maine, they settled in Weymouth, Massachusetts with their cocker spaniel, Blackout. Three years later, they bought the house in Hingham, Massachusetts, that would remain their home for the next 53 years. In Hingham, they raised four children, as well as many pets, and were active members of the Second Parish Unitarian Church. After their children were grown, Bev and Bob enjoyed travelling to Italy, Germany, Spain, Argentina, and Greece, where they made many lifelong friends. In May of 1998, Bev and Bob moved to Dominican Oaks retirement community. Living in Santa Cruz allowed them to spend more time with family, particularly their grandchildren. At their new home, they made many close friends and enjoyed a wide variety of activities. They especially loved hosting their family for visits and holiday meals at the Oaks. Bev and Bob shared many interests, including balcony gardening, bird watching, and classical music. Although her eyesight was limited in recent years, Bev also loved "reading" books on tape. She always took pride in her perfectly-accessorized outfits. In 2005 Bev was predeceased by her husband of 64 years. She is survived by four children: Cynthia Young, of Mason Neck, VA; Martha Miller (Dr. Lester Miller), of Aptos, CA; Dr. Neil Cashman (Rosemary Cashman), of Vancouver, BC, Canada; and Robin McBain, of Atascadero, CA. She is also survived by her five beloved grandchildren: Aaron Miller, Alison Miller, Stephen Cashman, Robert Cashman, and Alan Cashman. She will also be greatly missed by her many dear friends and the staff at Dominican Oaks. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the animal welfare organization of your choice, in honor Bev's lifelong love of all animals. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life service at Dominican Oaks, 3400 Paul Sweet Rd., Santa Cruz, on Sunday, October 10, at 10:00 am in the Oaks Room.