Beverly A. LaFreniere

Beverly Ann LaFreniere, 90, passed away on Sunday, June 15, 2025, in Bellingham, WA. She was born in Bellingham on July 15, 1934, to Owen Arthur and Lillian Margaret (White) Rhinehart. Bev was an ardent supporter and advocate, not only for her own family, but also for her patients, residents, and staff at care facilities where she served as Director of Nursing Services. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Fred, with whom she shared more than 67 years of marriage.

Bev dreamed of becoming a nurse even before graduating from Bellingham High School in 1952. That dream was placed on hold after her friend Carol introduced Bev to her beau’s brother Fred, a dashingly handsome young man recently discharged from the Army. The two were married on June 19, 1954. Following Fred’s graduation from Western in 1956, the young family moved to the south end of Whidbey Island. Their precocious daughter was joined by four younger brothers. As the kids were growing up, Bev took on roles in numerous community groups including Camp Fire Girls, 4H, a cooperative preschool, and Cub Scouts. When her youngest, Freddy, was starting school, Bev transitioned to work outside the home as an operator at the Whidbey Telephone Company. In 1973, 39-year-old Bev resumed her education at Everett Community College and two years later became a Registered Nurse (RN). Bev worked at Everett General Hospital for a year before finding her niche in assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Over the next 25-plus years, Bev worked at many elder care facilities in Whatcom County. Upon retirement, Bev and Fred became snowbirds, migrating to sunny Arizona for winters and spending summers with family in Washington.

Bev is survived by her sister, Olive Desrochers; daughter, Sue (Harold) Cook; four sons, Bill, Mike (Cathy), Vernon, and Fred (Renee); and many loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives, and friends.

Graveside committal will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, July 16, at Bayview Cemetery in Bellingham followed by a celebration of life and reception at 12:00pm at Westford Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lighthouse Mission Ministries or the Washington State Nurses Foundation.