Beryl N. Thompson, 81, of Rockland, died peacefully, surrounded by her loving family June 30 at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport.
Born Aug. 2, 1933 in South Bristol, she was the daughter of Sumner and Helen Nason McFarland. Educated locally, she graduated from South Bristol High School as valedictorian of the class of 1951.
On Sept. 27, 1952 Beryl married her high school sweetheart and soul mate, Donald P. Thompson. In the early years of their marriage, the couple lived in both Massachusetts and Connecticut as they followed Donald’s Navy career. The couple settled in Rockland in 1954.
Here, Beryl spent her days as a homemaker, caring for her two daughters. Family has always been her number one priority. She took great pleasure in family gatherings, always looking for an opportunity to have a get-together in her home. She loved gardening, always keeping immaculate flowerbeds. Watching the birds and tending her birdfeeders were other favorite pastimes. As her family grew, her heart grew, and she was proud to welcome great-grandchildren into her life. She was always active in their lives, attending every school activity and sporting event that she could. Beryl was also an avid follower of New England sports teams.
Following the death of her husband in 1985, Beryl, or Nannie as she was affectionately known, went to work for SAD 5 as a cook. Over the years she prepared hundreds of meals in each of the schools in the district. She loved her job and the children she had the opportunity to interact with each day. Even the kids at school, whether her own grandchildren or not, knew and loved her as Nannie. Beryl retired from her position in the early 2000s after more than 15 years of service.
She was predeceased by her husband; siblings, Roland, Marshall, James, Verona, Geraldine, and Victoria; and grandchild, Troy Buzzell.
Beryl is survived by her daughters, Patricia Dodge and husband Leroy Dodge Jr. of Liberty, Janice Buzzell and husband Wayne of Albany, N. H.; grandchildren, Angela Matero and husband Timothy of Rockland, Leo ‘Andy’ Chase, Jr. and companion Amanda McKenney of Rockland, Christopher Buzzell and wife Anne of Georgia, Donald Buzzell, and Ashley Buzzell, both of New Hampshire; great-grandchildren, Aaron Ecker and wife Lindsey, Ryan Ecker, Cody Chase, Jordan Matero, Alexandrea Chase, Kaia Beryl Chase, Leo A. Chase, III, and Jacob Buzzell; siblings, Sumner McFarland, Arthur McFarland, Rita Sewall, and Evelyn Ball; and a special friend who was like a sister, Sally Fowler of South Thomaston; as well as many, many special nieces and nephews who were all close to her heart.
At Beryl’s request, the family will remember her life privately as she is laid to rest beside her beloved husband in Walpole.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rockland Congregational Church, Abiding Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 554, Rockland, ME 04841.
To share a memory or condolence with Beryl’s family, please visit her Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.
