Beverly Jeanne Botting Goucher

Beverly, a Mercer Island resident for more than 50 years, died peacefully December 4, 2013 surrounded by her family.

Services were held on December 14th for Beverly, a descendent of Washington pioneers, who was born to David Charles Botting and Sarah Jane Turnbull on January 29, 1922. She was raised on Capitol Hill and was an excellent student and violinist. She was a member of the Seattle Youth Symphony and a graduate of Broadway High School. Beverly pursued these interests as an adult earning a BA in History from the UW followed by a certificate from the Cornish School of Art and Music.

Beverly married William H. Goucher, a Seattle attorney, at St. Mark’s Cathedral on June 16, 1951. Following her marriage she earned a MA in History and a secondary education certificate, both from the UW, and taught at St. Nicholas School and Edmonds High School. She then stayed home to raise her children Dorian and Geoff.

In 1968 Beverly returned to the UW for the final time, earning a MA in Librarianship. Beverly re-entered the work force in 1970 and was a librarian in the Federal Way School District for the next 22 years. During that time she was active in the teacher’s union and was on the negotiation team for many years. Bill and Beverly loved to travel and made several trips to Europe. Bill preceded Beverly in death in 1981.

Beverly enjoyed her retirement years. She took piano lessons, participated in many church ministry groups and especially enjoyed working for social justice. She was active in the Congregations for the Homeless and Cease Fire, and actively opposed the Iraq War. She traveled to Europe and Russia, and throughout the U.S., often accompanied by her brother David or her sister Janet. Beverly enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and was the matriarch to a large extended family.

In addition to her parents and husband, Beverly was preceded in death by her siblings, Vivian B. Staley, David C. Botting Jr., and Janet B. Avera. Beverly is survived by her daughter, Dorian (Bob) Bersos, her son, Geoffrey Goucher and her grandchildren Joshua, Michael(Tiffany) and Laura Bersos, and many nieces and nephews. Memorials may be given to the Emmanuel Episcopal Church Endowment Fund or Seattle Children’s Hospital.