Beverly Brazelton Kardinal, 70 , of Gilmanton Iron Works, New Hampshire passed away at her home on February 21, 2016.
Born and raised in Oakland, California, she was the daughter of Lavelle and Gwendolyn Charlotte Foulkes Brazelton and the granddaughter of architect, Edward T. Foulkes and wife Charlotte. She was the descendant of California gold-mining pioneers John and Priscilla Thomas. After graduating from Oakland High School in 1963, she attended San Jose State University where she studied Business Administration and was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. Bev moved to her Gilmanton Iron Works farm nearly 50 years ago, where she traded her love of sunny city life for her equal love of small town New England life.
Beverly was a loyal and loving staff member of Gilmanton School where she worked for 16 years. At work, she was always up for fun with fellow faculty and enjoyed daily interactions with students. As president of Kardinal Farms, she owned New Hampshire’s largest low-bush blueberry farm, a family business she led with her late husband, Sandy Kardinal, for nearly 50 years.
Famous for her blueberry buckle recipe, her love of music and her patriotism, Bev treasured her roles as wife and mother most. Her greatest joy was raising her two daughters instilling in them the values of impeccable holiday decorating, a well written thank you note and the power of kindness. An expert homemaker, she enjoyed gardening, baking, reading and decorating her 200-year-old New Hampshire farm house. A deeply caring friend and family member, she lived with grace, compassion and humor in all that she did and in all whom she touched. Her flawless etiquette and style were the stuff of legends.
Beverly is survived by her cherished daughters, Joanna and her husband Tim Stockton of Marin County, California and Kathryn Kardinal and her husband Alan Joseph Baumann Jr. of Gilmanton Iron Works, New Hampshire. She was the loving and adored grandmother to Sarah Charlotte Stockton and Elizabeth Catherine Stockton. She is survived by many beloved cousins from Oregon and California and by the family’s dear friend Mark Thomas, of Alton, New Hampshire. Bev is predeceased by her husband of 28 years, Herman (Sandy) Kardinal.
Family and friends are invited to a service to celebrate her life on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at 4:30 pm at The Gilmanton Community Church, Corner of Routes 107 and 140, Gilmanton, New Hampshire.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Gilmanton School in memory of Beverly B. Kardinal, 1386 NH Route 140, Gilmanton Iron Works, New Hampshire, 03837.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia NH is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.