Beverly Jean Sterling

Beverly earned her angel wings at age 85 on March 5, 2018, surrounded by loving family at her residence at Amber Grove Place in Chico, CA. She was born in San Francisco, CA, the daughter of Theresa & Librado Maldonado, first-generation immigrants from Mazatlán, Mexico. A graduate of San Francisco State College, she majored in education with a minor in music. She married the love of her life, Raymond Sterling, in 1954 and they raised their three children together until his sudden death in 1977. Beverly taught Kindergarten, first, and second grades for over three decades, her career culminating at Cory School in San Jose, CA. She was a highly accomplished teacher, using her bilingual skills in Spanish and her expertise in team and open space teaching, all graced by her love of music. Beverly had a soulful relationship with liberal arts, culture and music. After her husband's death, she travelled extensively in Europe studying art history. She had an outrageous sense of humor, was quick to laugh, expressing her love of children, art, music, and travel with an unquenchable zest for life. Beverly was a wonderful and beloved mother, and is survived by her sister Anita, her children, Mark, Kevin, and Anita, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Commemoration of her passing and celebration of her life will be held at 1:00 pm on March 16, 2018. Memorial Service and Burial at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma, CA, preceded by a brief visitation at 12:45. Online condolences may be made here.