In Loving Memory of
Beverley Ann Merrifield (née McManus)
1952 – 2025
Obituary of Beverley Ann Merrifield (née McManus)
Bev Merrifield passed away on November 17, 2025, in the early morning in the presence of her husband and caregivers. Her death was peaceful and she did not suffer.She is survived by her husband, John, daughters Brier (Peter Albano) and Katie Pulver and three wonderful grandchildren who were their grandmother’s greatest joy in life, Ethan Albano, Mila Albano and Quinten Pulver. She will be greatly missed by her sisters, Linda Neilson (Bryan) and Dianne Waye (Bill). Bev has been reunited with her brother Jim McManus (Marilyn), and with her parents Norma and John McManus.
Accomplished is a word to describe Beverley Merrifield. From very early on she excelled in everything she took on, be it as a yearbook editor at Blakelock, a Student Union activist at Ryerson, a fashion coordinator at Eaton’s, a research award winner as a Psychology major at the University of Calgary, a published researcher and, in her favourite pastime, a volunteer, culminating in the Volunteer of the Year award in 2023 presented by the City of Niagara Falls for her joyful contributions at Heartland Forest. A lasting legacy of her work is the establishment of the Apraxia Kids (Niagara) Support Group which provides information and networking to parents and children working through the complexity of apraxia treatment.
Always humble, what Bev wanted most in life was the joy of being a mom. Her dedication to Brier and Katie’s upbringing and success in life was her top priority through the years in Oakville, Calgary, Oakville (again) Calgary (again), Medicine Hat and Niagara Falls. Brownie leader, school volunteer, art club executive, it didn’t matter…Bev was there for her kids, then her grandkids and all of the other kids too. Her nieces and nephews also felt Auntie Bevie’s love in so many ways.
“REMEMBERING BEV” a celebration of life will be held on May 9th at 2pm in the Nature Centre of Heartland Forest Nature Experience, 8215 Heartland Forest Road, Niagara Falls, Ontario. Of note: Please dress casually and have footwear that will be comfortable on a short nature walk on groomed trails. Bev’s family looks forward to seeing you there.
Anyone wishing to make a contribution in Bev’s name should do so to a charity of their choice with the family’s thanks.
Rest in Peace, Bev…your work here is done. You are loved.
Service Information
A Celebration of Life
Date: May 9, 2026Start Time: 2:00 pm
End Time:
Venue: Nature Centre of Heartland Forest Nature Experience, 8215 Heartland Forest Road, Niagara Falls, Ontario
Get directions
Write a Condolence
You can post a condolence to the family below (up to 200 words). To add a photo, click on the camera icon. If you plan on making a donation, please notify the family by posting your intent in a condolence.
Donations
The family of Beverley Ann Merrifield (née McManus) would like you to consider placing a donation to one of the following charities:
If desired, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in Bev's memory.Note: If you plan on making a donation, please notify the family by posting a condolence.
John, Katie, Brea and families. My sincerest condolence on the passing g of your Mother and wife. THere are not enough words to describe how special I thought Bev was. We are both Beverley Ann and we had a joke about it. Although I was not able to be in. Intact with Bev as much as I would have liked to, my memories and fondness for her as a friend never diminished. I was so sad when she told me of the move back to Ontario, because she was those one of a kind people you meet rarely in life. I am
Blessed to have had the privilege of calling her my friend. Stay strong because that is what your mom
Would wan. Cherish her many accomplishments and achievements because I know her daughter had inherited her many talents and gifts. God bless you all in these challenging days. Cheerio BAM Bam until we meet again
John, I’m so sad to find out Bev has passed away. She was a delight to have as a friend. She helped to make my time at the Hat Art Club just a bit better. Our chats were always a highlight even after you two moved away.
My deep condolences to you and your family.
Dear John,
Jill (Fox) Topping has just shared this news with me. I am sorry to hear about Bev’s passing. She was a little person packed with love, energy and talent. She will certainly be missed by many.
Thinking of you all,
Sue (Drowley) Moffat
Dear John, Brier, Katie and families,
We are so very saddened to hear that Bev passed away. Bev was such a special person in so many ways. We remember fondly all the fun times we shared during our Lake Bonavista days. Bev will be dearly missed. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and know that we are thinking of all of you at this very sad time.
Sincerely,
Karen and John Sherman
Our words cannot express our deep sorrow on hearing that Beverly has passed away. She was truly a very special person. Please know that our thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.
Our family’s heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to John, Katie, Quinn, Brier, Pete, Ethan and Mila. Although the pain of her loss runs deep, Bev is lovingly remembered for her innate goodness, her deep love for family, and her charitable take charge manner that always provided a helping hand to others, Our family will always remember those amazing Christmas dinners that Bev and John graciously hosted to bring cousins together, and for all the times she was there for us. Bev made a huge impact as a sister, as our lives were tightly woven at times, and it was this plethora of significant shared childhood memories as well as our common interests in art and genealogy that created a powerful bond that linked us closely together. Bev was ever an example of charity, and even in her last weeks in the hospital, when facing very difficult circumstances, Bev expressed concern about others, not focused on herself or her own difficult situation. She was remarkably brave and an enduring example of benevolence and great strength. Although Bev’s presence here will be deeply missed, her memory will always be a blessing of peace and comfort to us all.
My deepest sympathies to John, Brier, Katie and your and her families. Bev was a good friend and true. We found each other at the Hat Art Club and our friendship remained strong and supportive to the end. Bev was the kindest, funniest, smartest and most interesting person I’ve ever met. She was so full of stories and there was no such thing as a quick phone call with her. I loved our 90-120 minute phone calls. A few years ago, I drove 4 hours to spend 4 hours with her. And it was so worth it because she was a quality person. I will miss her Facebook posts, the twinkle in her eyes, her smile, her voice and her laugh. We both had a love of art and nature and a shared political viewpoint. She was honestly my best friend and the world feels so much less without her. Keep her memory in your hearts and be kind. That would make her happy.
Dear Katie, my heart is broken for you. You have been in my thoughts and prayers for the last week and I will continue to keep you all there. Sending you, Q and all the family love and strength at this most difficult time.
Our dear John, Brier and Pete, Katie, Ethan, Mila and Quinten and all of Bev’s extended Family and Friends … We loved your Bev!!!!! She was truly a one-in-a-million type of person! Bev was the kindest and most caring friend in the World and she would do anything she could to try and lighten the load for anyone she cared about! We loved her and we are so grateful she passed peacefully! Please know that you are all in our daily thoughts and prayers as we all grieve the loss of this incredible woman! With all of our love … The Preston Family
John, I am so sorry for Bev’s death. I am glad to have talked with you and Bev at a funeral in Oakville almost 3 years ago. Bev was an amazing Yearbook Co-ordinator for our Blakelock Yearbook. Bev was always beautiful both inside and out.
Jill Topping (Fox)
Dear John and family,
I feel your loss. Bev is loved and will be missed by all those whose lives she has touched.
Her effervescent spirit will live on in all of us.
Dear John, Brier & Katie: my heartfelt condolences to you on the passing of dear Bev. She was truly a talented, bright, kind and loving friend of almost 60 years. As beautiful inside as she was on the outside, Bev flourished in the world of the arts, as much as she embraced that of the sciences. Above all, her family was the centre of her world.
Beverly’s kindness and spirit will always be remembered. Wishing you strength, comfort, and peace in the days ahead..
Love from Uncle Harvey’s and Aunt Julie’s daughter Louise
Deepest sympathies to you John, Brier and family and Katie and family. Sending love and prayers. Jan