THORNDIKE – Beverly (Newell) Murdock, 94, of Thorndike, passed away peacefully in Unity Jan. 28, 2021. Beverly was born in Medford, Mass. on July 3, 1926, the daughter of Arthur and Vida (White) Newell. She grew up in Arlington, Mass. Following graduation from Arlington High School, Beverly met her future husband, George H. Murdock when she joined his band as saxophonist.

During WWII, Beverly was employed by the MIT Radiation Laboratory building airborne radar systems. She and George married in 1946 in Arlington and moved to Unity in 1951. Beverly was a hardworking, devoted partner in farm and family life. She also worked as medical assistant for Dr. Harrison Aldrich and dental assistant for Dr. Henry Poirier.

Beverly taught Sunday school, sang in church and community choirs, worked on the church finance committee, and led a Girl Scout troop. She dedicated herself to establishing Unity’s ambulance corps, organizing training, fundraising for vehicles and building, and acting as Treasurer for 40 years.

Beverly adored her family. She relished gatherings at Young’s Lobster Pound where she could breathe the ocean air and recount cherished family escapades.

A gifted storyteller, Beverly authored four treasured children’s books about an adventurous, kindhearted Maine woodland elf. Her first book was published when she was 83.

Beverly will be greatly missed. She is survived by three children, Steven N. Murdock and wife Lucia, Wendy M. Esposito and husband Robert, and George H. Murdock V and wife HollyJo, all of Unity; six grandchildren, Eli Murdock, Carrie Kinzlmaier and husband Michael, Noah Murdock and wife Nicole, Melissa Tenney and fiancé Rob, Lucas Murdock, and Shelby Seals and husband Tyler; step-grandchildren Matthew Cowette and Amanda Cowette; 14 great-grandchildren, Alexis, Logan, Peyton, Matthew, Caroline, Elise, Grace, Leah, Ezra, Ella, Michael, Zachary, Francis, and Nora; step-great-granddaughter Celena; sister-in-law Carol M. Nicoson of Palmyra, Penn.; and cousin Janet L. Rivkin and husband Lawrence of Kent, Conn.

Beverly was predeceased by George, her husband of 57 years, brother Arthur E. Newell Jr., sister Audrey N. Panarelli Cloutier; son Scott S. Murdock; and granddaughter Jenna M. Reese.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date. Memories and condolences are appreciated and can be mailed to: The Murdock family, P. O. Box 166, Unity, ME 04988.

Memorial contributions can be made to:

Unity United

Methodist Church

P. O. Box 146

Unity, ME 04988 or:

Unity Volunteer

Ambulance

P. O. Box 24

Unity, ME 04988