LOUDON - Beverly Anne Brahmstedt, 57, passed away Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010, at the Concord Regional Visiting Nurse Association Hospice House, surrounded by loved ones, after a courageous battle with chronic illnesses.

She was born March 27 1952, in Akron, Ohio, the first-born daughter of the late William and Eleanor (Morrison) Brahmstedt. She was a 1982 graduate of Notre Dame College, Manchester, and served as a Sister of Holy Cross for 12 years.

In life, she was first and foremost a teacher and mentor, calling forth the best in all who crossed her path throughout her lifetime. She served as an early childhood educator for more than 20 years. Locally, Beverly was the first kindergarten teacher at St. John the Evangelist School, Concord. She was instrumental in opening and staffing the first kindergartens at Sanborn Union School, Tilton. She was the founding director of Early Childhood Education for the Catholic Charities Child Care Center that formally operated at IHM, Concord.

Beverly later completed her formal teaching career as a corporate trainer for customer service and benefit information for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Hampshire.

Most recently, she served on the staff of the Disability Rights Center of New Hampshire in Concord. There she was known for her gentle ways, kind manner and outstanding care, and dignity she extended to all who accessed DRC's advocacy services. She remains a strong advocate of one's right to choose even in death.

She loved crafts, the creation of angels, playing her 12-string and making music. Beverly delighted in the receipt of fresh-cut flowers, help in keeping family traditions, and laughing with Matthew and Sara, her little ones. She longed for community, always working to bring people together, always ready to welcome the stranger to our home.

Beverly is survived by her life partner of 28 years, Donna Odde; her children, Matthew C. and Sara H. Gilliland, who lived with her at home in the oasis she helped form; and Emmett Daniel Naughton at home with the family she chose for him in Burlington, Vt.; and extended members of her family of choice. She is also survived by five brothers and a sister, William of Colorado, Margarite of New Hampshire, Mark of Essex Junction, Vt., Christian of Falls Church, Va., Erich of Highgate Springs, Vt.; and Tim of Colchester, Vt.; and two nieces and five nephews.

Visiting hours and a celebration of her life will be held Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m. with a remembrance of her life to be held at 7 p.m. at Bennett Funeral Home.

Mass of Christian burial will be held Monday at 10 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, South Main Street, Concord.

Burial will immediately follow at Blossom Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Disability Rights Center, 18 Low Ave., Concord 03301; or the Friends Interfaith Caregiver Program, 249 Pleasant St., Concord.

Bennett Funeral Home of Concord is in charge of arrangements.