CAMDEN — Beverly Bayne (Upton) Cummings, 97, passed away peacefully in her sleep Sunday, May 21, 2023 at The Homestead in Owls Head, after a period of declining health.

Born in Camden, January 11, 1926, she was the youngest daughter of the late Shirley “Guy” and Grace (Farris) Upton.

Beverly grew up in Camden and was a 1944 graduate of Camden High School. There she played softball, basketball and was a majorette in the band. After graduation she moved to Hartford, CT to seek employment during WWII and found it at Pratt-Whitney. It was there she was recruited to play Women’s Basketball for corporate-league teams, and also met her future husband. The basketball didn’t last, but her new love did.

In 1947 she married Gordon Cummings in North Canaan, Connecticut and they settled in Hartford and then the Berkshire Mountains in Massachusetts. Together they drove a car across the United States twice. That trip (and others) inspired her love of travel. They were happily married 25 years, until his untimely death in 1973.

Before and after retirement Beverly relished traveling, partially cruises or bus tours. She was an avid reader, a teddy bear collector, enjoyed shopping, listening to bagpipes and eating ice cream (not necessarily in that order). She returned to her hometown in 1990 and only moved to Owls Head when her health declined in mid-March of this year.

Known for her volunteerism, in many of the below organizations over the years, she was always ready to lend a helping hand. Beverly was a member of Daughter of Scotia Purple Heat Lodge #41; Becton-Dickerson Retirement Club #3; Quarry Hill Auxiliary; Mid-Coast Ladies Club; Tops, Senior Corps RSVP Rockland; Lady of Good Hope Women’s Club; Camden Senior Citizens; Association of Marian Helpers and numerous others. She was also part of several social luncheon groups.

Beverly was predeceased by her brother, Malcolm “Jake”Upton; sister, Generva Parker; and nephew Craig Upton.

Survived by her great-niece, Michelle Upton and her partner David Hilt of Union; great-nephews Kyle Upton of Rockland and Aaron Upton of Lincolnville as well as their mother Roseanne Upton; her special friends, Lois Hoder of Florida, Mary Root-Gower of Connecticut, Gail Spear and Helen Cater both of Camden, and many more friends whom lovingly knew her as “Aunt Bev.”

Beverly will be laid to rest privately beside her husband in Massachusetts.

A time of gathering for friends will be held Friday, June 9, 2023, at 1 p.m., at Nativity Lutheran Church in Rockport. Join in sharing memories, photos, and stories. In lieu of flowers, a donation to The Camden High School Alumni Scholarship is requested.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland.