Beverly Munn-Haines

Beverly Munn-Haines was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. A caring nurturer, she cherished her years as a mother and was delighted with the arrival of her grandchildren. Living her life to the fullest and enjoying the company of each and every person who came her way, she leaves behind a rich legacy of accepting all people with compassion. Her warm personality, genuine friendship, and loving ways will be deeply cherished for generations to come. The 1930s were significantly impacted by the effects of the Great Depression. Banks were still closing but there was a promise of a new election year waiting. By 1931, mobster Al Capone was locked away in Alcatraz, the Empire State Building had finished completion, and one of the greatest droughts in American history had hit the Central Plains region. During the midst of one of the toughest decades in American history, Arthur and Edith (Early) Dooley welcomed home the arrival of their newborn daughter, Beverly, on November 5th in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Joining her older brother, Lee, her birth brought much joy to the family in tough economic times. Born to a set of hard-working parents, Beverly appreciated the value of a hard day's work at an early age. Sadly, by the tender age of twelve, she lost her father, who worked as the County Road Commissioner. Her mother worked as a seamstress at Lakeside Boys Home to support their family and Beverly pitched in around the house. Graduating with the Class of 1950 from Kalamazoo Central, Beverly was excited to begin her journey into adulthood. She had met her first husband, a Vicksburg native, Burton "Burt" Munn through their mutual friends Chuck and Jo. After dating for nearly two years, they joined in marriage on October 21, 1950, in Kalamazoo, Michigan just a few weeks shy of her nineteenth birthday. Burt was in the service and after completion of his service they settled in Fort Lauderdale Florida. Together they raised three wonderful children; Bruce, Terry, and Peggy. Beverly was meant to be a mother. She cherished her years of being home with her kids and treating them often to her special baked goods and delicious meals. She was a gentle mother who always listened without judgment and took the time to ensure they had everything they needed to be successful. The family enjoyed countless camping trips and loved to spend time together. Once the kids were high school age, Beverly began her work with Kalamazoo Public Schools food service working at Loy Norrix. Even during those years, she was sure to be home before the kids made it back from school as she loved to catch up with them around afternoon snacks. Her children meant the world to her. She retired after seventeen years in the school food service business. After retiring she and Burt vacationed often in their travel trailer. They especially enjoyed their trips to Gulf Shores, Alabama. The two of them also enjoyed many years of playing golf as well as cards. Social by nature, she made many special friends over the years and enjoyed sharing her baked goods with them. Bev took pride in her home and opened it frequently to family and friends. Sadly her husband Burt passed away in 1996. They had lovingly shared 46 years together. Beverly continued on in their tradition of traveling. In 2000, she married her lifelong friend, Chuck Haines, the person responsible so many years ago for her meeting Burt. She and Chuck spent their winter time together in Chuck's Polk City, Florida home. During their short time there, they never missed an opportunity to visit the Disney theme parks! Sadly, he passed away in 2015. Beverly held a special place in the hearts of so many. Her caring ways and unconditional love for others are her greatest legacies. Her grandchildren filled her heart with joy and they feel blessed to have had her attend their sporting events, baptisms, graduations, and weddings. She was such an important influence and part of their lives. Beverly will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her. Beverly Jean Munn-Haines, of Portage, passed away on Saturday, July 21, 2018, at the age of 86. She is survived by her two daughters: Terry (David) Swanson, of Kalamazoo; Peggy (Tom) Guriel, of Portage; six grandchildren: Eric (Michelle) Swanson, of Martin; Alexis (Evan) Goad, of South Bend, IN; Tyler Fitzpatrick, of Portage; Anna (C.J) Six, of Lansing; Cody Fitzpatrick, of Kalamazoo; and Bryce Munn, of Marshall; two great-grandchildren: Elias Swanson and Blakely Jean Six. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law: Connie Scamihorn, of Marshall. She is preceded in death by her husbands: Burton Munn and Charles Haines; one son: Bruce Munn; and one brother: Lee Dooley. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, from 5 to 7 pm at the McCowen & Secord Life Story Family Funeral Home, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage (269-344-5600). A memorial service will be held on Thursday at 11 am. Please visit Beverly's webpage at www.mccowensecord.com where you can sign the guestbook, and share a memory. Those who wish may make contributions to the Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan and/or West Michigan Cancer Center.