Beverly Jane (Landry) Riavez

UNITY – Beverly Jane (Landry) Riavez, 90, passed away at home on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, with her loving family at her side.

Beverly was born in Waterville, Maine, Feb. 1, 1933. Daughter of Clarence and Mary (Pelham) Landry, one of six children. Her family moved to Rahway, N.J., when she was 12, where she attended Rahway High School, graduating in 1950. Beverly met Joseph Riavez soon afterwards, and they were married on Sept. 7, 1952.

Beverly was an at home mom raising her nine children. Once her children were grown, she worked in the family-owned business, Five Queens Bakery. After the bakery closed, she worked as a diamond setter. She moved back to Maine in 1992 with her husband, living close to her sisters, nieces, and nephews. Soon afterwards, many of her children followed.

Beverly loved to sew, cook, and bake. No one could make cookies like she did. The entire family looked forward to the boxes given at Christmas. Her wedding cakes were exquisite, and of course, she made them for her of her children when they married. A few weeks prior to Thanksgiving, we would spend the weekend making hundreds of home-made ravioli. Beverly loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. When living in New Jersey, Christmas mornings were spent gathered at her home. She LOVED when spring arrived because that meant the hummingbirds were soon to follow. Watching them was her favorite pastime, she hated when they left. Her family and friends will always remember her kindness, humor, and sarcasm.

Beverly was predeceased by her parents, Clarence and Mary Landry, husband Joseph P Riavez, daughters Suzanne Riavez and Michele Schindler, son Mitchell Riavez, granddaughter Marylin Riavez, as well as all her siblings.

Beverly is survived by her sons Joseph Riavez Jr; Keith Riavez and his partner, James Norwak; daughters Donna Regaj; Denise Works and husband, Keith; Lori Bertram and husband, Raymond; Kelli Riavez and partner, Richard Beaulieu; daughters-in-law Maryellen Riavez and Debbie Riavez; 18 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank you for your thoughts and prayers. A celebration of life will be held for Beverly at a later date.

Since Beverly was a breast cancer survivor, in remembrance of her, contributions can be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (www.bcrf.org).