Florence M. Bevan, a Springs School kindergarten teacher for 16 years, died of cancer at home on Shelter Island on Aug. 4. She was 89.
Mrs. Bevan was born in Queens on March 14, 1932, to Frank Weber and the former Florence Timberman. She grew up in Merrick, graduating from Mepham High School before going on to earn her bachelor's degree in elementary education from the State University at Plattsburgh.
She and Albert E. Bevan were married on Nov. 23, 1957. She taught kindergarten at the Lee Avenue Elementary School in Hicksville before the family moved to East Hampton in 1969. Two years later, Mrs. Bevan began working at the Springs School. In East Hampton, she was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church's Rosary Society.
After retiring, the Bevans moved briefly to North Carolina but in 1991 relocated back to Shelter Island. They joined Our Lady of the Isle Catholic Church and ran the Shelter Island Food Pantry for many years. They were also dedicated Shelter Island Meals on Wheels volunteers. The Shelter Island Lions Club recognized them as citizens of the year in 2017 and Shelter Island Town honored them as volunteers of the year in 2008, 2016, and 2017. The Diocese of Rockville Centre also recognized them for their dedication to the community.
Mrs. Bevan is survived by five children, Carole Fitts of Montgomery, N.Y., Paul Bevan of West Islip, Scott Bevan of Forest Hills, Gloria Corona of North Bellmore, and Mark Bevan of Cary, N.C. She also leaves 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Her husband died in 2019.
A service was held yesterday at Our Lady of the Isle with the Rev. Peter DeSanctis officiating. Burial was at the Shelter Island Cemetery Association.
Her family has suggested contributions to East End Hospice, P.O. Box 1048, Westhampton Beach 11978, or to the Senior Citizens Foundation of Shelter Island, P.O. Box 352, Shelter Island 11964-0352.
