SOUTH PORTLAND – Beverly A. Gushee, 62, of South Portland died Oct. 4, 2004, at her home with her loving family. She was the daughter of Oscar and Almacia “Jane” Upham. She was born and brought up on a farm in North Union, Maine, where she attended Union Schools. At an early age she moved to Monhegan Island with her sister, Christine, where she was a waitress at the local restaurant, and started her career as a caregiver at the age of 12 as a live in babysitter. At the age of 13, she moved into the Hills Nursing Home in Union as a nurse’s aid, she also worked at Maine Medical Center as a nurse’s aid and for several years she provided nursing care in her home in Gorham for several elderly patients. Beverly worked at Fairchild-Semi Conductor as a Bonder and later she owned and operated Huckleberry’s Ice Cream Shop in South Portland. Mrs. Gushee also worked as a receptionist and clerical employee for 27 years at Portland Machine Tool Rebuilders and D & G Machine Products, both companies started by her husband, David. Beverly especially enjoyed the Christmas season where she would give a huge party for all the employees, complete with presents for everyone. She would purchase and wrap upwards of 200 gifts each year. Beverly loved her husband and family dearly. She was the bond that tied the family together and she took special enjoyment in her four grandchildren, watching them grow and sharing in their hobbies, sports, stories and other interests. Mrs. Gushee cherished every family gathering; she loved to cook and loved to see her family together. She loved to talk about food and prepare many wonderful dishes. She is famous for her yeast rolls, baked beans, smothered, chowders and peanut butter fudge, to name a few. She loved a good family poker game. She was fortunate to be able to travel to many wonderful places around the world and especially loved Las Vegas and the Foxwoods Resort & Casino. She and her husband enjoyed the last 10 years in retirement and loved their homes here and in Venice, Fla. She was also blessed with many wonderful friends whom she enjoyed sharing many good times. Mrs. Gushee is predeceased by her sister, Athelene Blake; and brother, Oscar Upham Jr. Surviving Mrs. Gushee is her husband, David A. Gushee of 45 years of South Portland; her children, Vaughn and wife, Kelly Gushee, of Gorham, Duane and wife, Wendy Gushee, of Windham, Daryl and wife, Sandra, of New Gloucester, Christopher Gushee of Atlanta, Ga.; her 10 brothers and sisters, Christine Wellman, John Upham, Reginald Upham, Jeanette Grinnel, all of Washington, Wayne Upham, Mildred Brooks and Shirley Berry all of Union, Rebecca Ripley of Rockport, Juanita Mulhern of Windsor, and Sally Smith of Chelsea; and her four grandchildren, Grant, Jessica, David and Jack Gushee and many nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6, at the Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland, ME 04106. A Burial office will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 7, at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Cape Elizabeth. Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to: American Cancer Society New England Division, One Main Street, Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086 or Ronald McDonald House, 250 Brackett St., Portland, ME 04102.
BEVERLY ANN GUSHEE
