Beverly Burnett

Jun 4, 1945 -

Aug 7, 2023

Beverly Susan Burnett passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, in her home in Eagle River, Alaska, on Monday, Aug. 7, 2023. Born in Massachusetts on June 4, 1945, the second child of the late Arthur and Barbara Allsopp. Beverly grew up south of Boston, Mass., where she graduated from Abbington High School and got a nursing degree from Braintree Nursing School. Beverly married her first husband, Douglas MacGregor, at age 19, and they raised three beautiful children together. Following her adventurous spirit, in June 1975, Beverly and Douglas packed their children into a camper and drove across the country and up the Alcan Highway to pursue a new life in Anchorage, Alaska.

Alaska became her home. She lived in Anchorage from 1975 until 1993, when she married Leslie Allen Burnett and they moved into their home in Eagle River, where Beverly remained until her passing. One of their favorite activities to do together was spending quality time with family, especially their grandchildren and then their great-granddaughter, who was born in 2016.

Beverly was a loyal and devoted friend who was always there for those who needed her most. The kind of person who would gladly spend her last penny to help anyone in need. She volunteered for the suicide hotline for over three years, and for the Salvation Army for at least 10 years, eventually becoming the President of The Anchorage Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary. Beverly was a selfless woman and had the most caring and compassionate soul. She touched the lives and hearts of many.

Spirituality was an essential part of her life. While visiting from Massachusetts in 1981, her sister Gerry Harrington brought her to St. Mary's Episcopal Church. St Mary's became her spiritual home. She became a member of The Order of Daughters of the King and through her devotion she earned a beautiful cross that she proudly wore around her neck. Her two daughters were married at St. Mary's and four of her grandchildren were baptized there.

Beverly was also a strong, independent woman and a lifelong learner. She studied and graduated from UAA with a Bachelor of Science in psychology in 1982, and became certified in elementary education in 1984. She then went on to graduate with a degree in myotherapy and physical fitness in 1989. Beverly worked as a myotherapist from 1989 until she retired in 2002.

Beverly loved to travel and went to China, Ireland, Scotland, Israel, and Europe. She raised $6,000 for Team Diabetes to travel to Rome, Italy, and complete a marathon.

Even though she experienced great pain and many hardships in her life, Beverly never gave up and always kept a positive attitude. The greatest pain in her heart came from the loss of her second born son David MacGregor, who died of SIDS at only 7 months old. Those who knew her will always remember her as a special and beautiful person who brightened everyone's lives with her presence. Beverly will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Beverly is survived by her husband, Leslie; children, Jane Simono, Glen MacGregor, Lori Reetz and George Burnett; grandchildren, Cassandra Colebank, Jonathan Moody, Thomas Simono, James Simono, Gage MacGregor, Grady MacGregor, Hayden Burnett, Casie Marang and Christopher Reetz; great-granddaughter, Emma Beverly Colebank; and bonus great-grandchildren, Nathan Marang, Atticus Marang, Andrew Watkins, Julia Hartman and Brielle Marang.

Preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Barbara Allsopp; siblings, Gerry Harrington, Cindy Gauthier and Arthur Allsopp II; and children, David MacGregor and Nicholas Burnett.

Services will be held at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 2222 East Tudor Road in Anchorage, on Monday, Aug. 14, 2023, at 3 p.m., with a reception to follow.