Beverly Carol Kestler, a Port Ludlow resident of 23 years, died peacefully at home on March 25 at age 86.
“Bev” was a vibrant, outgoing person who was an active community volunteer, a chocolate connoisseur, and a passionate animal-lover. Always busy, Bev churned out hundreds of intricate and colorful hand-knit scarves, generously giving them as gifts for the joy of brightening days and delighting her friends. She was also devoted to Project Linus, knitting scores of blankets to bring love and uplift ailing children at the Children’s Hospital in Seattle. Bev founded the “Knit-Wits” at Port Ludlow’s Beach Club. Students of the Bay Club Computer classes, which ran for 16 years, will remember Bev’s delicious homemade desserts made for each session. We never knew if the students were attending for husband Bernie’s lessons or for Bev’s desserts! Bev was the loving wife of husband Bernie for 65 years. Career and vacations took Bev (and Bernie) around the world on many wonderful adventures. Bev and Bernie were inseparable. In Bev’s younger days, she was an avid athlete and fierce opponent on a tennis court.
Bev is survived by her husband Bernie; son, Paul & daughter-in-law, Dianna of Dallas, Texas; nieces Julie Ochota (Poulsbo) & Barbara Ochota (Bainbridge); niece Karen Bollman (Chicago); nephew Bob Lawson (Chicago); one grandchild and two great-grandchildren.
Bev deeply mourned the loss of her second son, Mark, who died at his age 22. We rejoice in the knowledge that she’s been reunited with him and other dear friends and family who have gone before us.
In lieu of a memorial service, and in Bev’s honor, please donate to your favorite animal charity or your local animal shelter.
