Published in the May 26, 2017 edition

Beverly-Steer-obit-webMELROSE — Beverly (Blanchard) Steer, 92, of Melrose, passed away peacefully in Danvers on Friday, May 19, 2017.

Beverly was born in Boston on August 15, 1924, and was one of two children of the late Raymond H. Blanchard and Evelyn (Tracy) Blanchard. Raised in Melrose, Beverly graduated with the Class of 1942 from Melrose High School, where she met future husband, Robert E. Steer. They were married in 1943, and raised a family of three children in Melrose.

A graduate of Lesley University, Beverly enjoyed working with children as a kindergarten teacher for several years. She then worked for over 30 years as the main receptionist at the front desk of Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, where she welcomed everyone through the front door with a smile, and paged doctors with her distinctive and deliberate manner. She loved her job at the hospital, and stayed connected to the hospital long after retiring.

As high school sweethearts, Beverly and Bob maintained friendships from Melrose High School that spanned many decades of class reunions, and parties. As part of the reunion committee, Beverly and Bob enjoyed many dinner parties, bridge nights and weekends away with fellow classmates. She was a longtime member of Phi Theta Xi Sorority, the Melrose Republican Club, the Circle Group at the First United Methodist Church, and later in life, the Melrose Highlands Congregational Church. She also enjoyed membership at Bellevue Golf Club, where she golfed with friends every Tuesday.

Self reliant, and disciplined, Beverly was a strong willed woman, winning “Most Fastidious” award as a senior in high school. Throughout much of her life, she enjoyed fashion, always dressed impeccably and made her own custom jewelry. With family, Beverly loved spending summers on the beach in Dennis Port/Dennis Shores on Cape Cod. She would start every morning with a walk, and was happy to spend the rest of the day in the sun. She will be lovingly remembered.

Beverly was the beloved wife of the late Robert E. Steer, with whom she shared 52 years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of Carol Wadland and her husband Philip of Manchester, New Hampshire; Phillip R. Steer and his wife Cathy of Gloucester; and Bradley H. Steer and his wife Laura of Concord. She was the dear sister of Donald R. Blanchard and his wife Janice of Melrose. She was the cherished grandmother of Seth Geyser; Sarah Fitzpatrick; and Dana, Andrew, Katelyn, Chase, and Zachary Steer. She was the loving great-grandmother of Lily, Cora and Leah.

Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Beverly during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Tuesday, May 23, and again for her Funeral Service celebrated on Wednesday, May 24. Interment took place at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Gifts in Beverly’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472, or to Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, 585 Lebanon St., Melrose MA 02176. For more information, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.