Bristol, NY: Bev passed peacefully on August 17, 2023 at age 84. She was born on February 10, 1939 in Rochester, NY to the late Albert and Althea (Smalley) DeGraff. In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Wayne Houseman and son Aaron Houseman. Survived by children, Heather (Don) Sabol of Steilacoom, WA and Kyle (Christine) Housman of Honeoye; grandchildren, Jennifer (Tom) Horton of Honeoye and Sarah Randell of S. Bristol; great-grandchildren, Ryan, Aiden, and Owen Horton, & James, Abigail, Edwin, and Eleanor Hanseling. Also survived by her brother Chuck (Barb “Bobbie”) Degraff. Also survived by many other loving family and friends.
Mother, wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend.
Beverly said the biggest accomplishment of her life, the thing she was the most proud of was being a mother. She said it goes without saying that her love of her husband Wayne was the one pure constant. Wayne and their children Aaron, Heather, Kyle are first and foremost in her life.
Beverly had many lifelong friends that she spoke to nearly every day, she said they were all like sisters. Her best friend Carol Humphrey Olsen, friends for over 80 years and many other classmates still met for lunch and for reunions, that is love.
Beverly was a Registered nurse and worked both at Highland Hospital and at Thompson Hospital. Bev worked at Bloomfield central school as a teachers aid for developmentally disabled children. She was proud of being able to help young minds and spirits develop, she would always say the children she helped teach, were also her kids.
Beverly was also a foster mother for a few years, and she lovingly watched a few neighborhood children in her family home in Bristol, NY
Beverly was the greatest grandmother to Jennifer and Sarah Houseman. She would show them love and guidance in everything they did together. They had many adventures from chasing baby goats that escaped their pen, to baking Christmas cookies, to shopping for the perfect outfit for the first day of school. Beverly was there for her grandchildren every step, and they were there for her. When Beverly became a great grandmother she was there to love and guide her great grandsons from purchasing a zoo membership to ordering books from the book fair at school. Whatever it was, she was there. Later, she would offer support and care via telephone to her great grandchildren out of state.
Beverly was a knitter and seamstress, and would make baby blankets and sweaters for family and friends. Bev was a member of the Bristol library knitting group. She enjoyed the craft projects and lively conversation.
Beverly was an avid gardener, caring for her flower and vegetable gardens at their home in Bristol, NY. Folks often would pass by and beep and wave hello to Bev and Wayne tending their beautiful gardens.
Beverly Jean Houseman, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, we love you.
Family and friends may call on Saturday, September 23, 2023 from 1-3pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 8624 Main Street, Rte 20A, Honeoye, NY where a Service to Celebrate Bev’s Life will be held at 3pm, following calling hours. Burial will be held privately at Hillside Cemetery, Holley, NY. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Town of Bristol – Parks Dept., 6740 County Road 32, Canandaigua, NY 14424, or the Bristol Library, 6750 Co Road 32, Canandaigua, NY 14424. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Heather and Kyle I am saddened to learn of the passing of your mother. I know you will always have fond memories of your parents.
I was unable to attend your mother’s visitation. Please know I have you and your families in my thoughts at this time.
My thoughts go out to you Kyle and Heather. Bev and Wayne were very special down to earth people who dearly loved you and wanted nothing but the best for you. I watched you both grow up under their loving care. From the special parties to even the cleaning of the chickens it was always fun. Then there were our cutting and chopping wood ventures as well…and many there were. As a boss for a period of time, Wayne was the best. It was always nice to know we were treated with respect and honesty, Bev and Wayne were both just good, genuine people and we had always enjoyed our times with them. I didn’t see as much of them after Wayne retired but when I did it was just like the good old times. Just know they were very special. I was unable to be at Wayne’s funeral and I felt very badly about that, and I just learned of your mother’s passing. I am sorry for your losses, but I know you had among the very best.
Beverly was a great friend with wonderful family! Committed to the community they lived in. Chris and Kyle Houseman continue the family traditions and cared for Beverly throughout a very rough period in her golden years. I pray for strength for the family to get through this lose with the grace of God to help them.