GRAY – Beverly Haley Richter, 89, died peacefully on May 16, 2023 at her home on Little Sebago Lake after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

She was born on Oct. 19, 1933 in Lewiston, the daughter of Althea “Dot” Abbott and Arthur Clinton Haley. She spent most of her young adult life in Auburn and Gardiner. At a young age she would line up her stuffed animals on the front porch “playing teacher’’. After attempting a career as a beautician, she attended Gorham State Teachers College in Maine, then Wheelock College in Boston, Mass., graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Beverly continued her education receiving a master’s degree in Education from Boston University, and eventually received a certificate of Advanced Graduate Study. After graduation Beverly worked as part of a team of educators hired by the Princeton, N.J. school district to revamp their school curriculum. After nationwide recognition, this group was hired by the Wellesley, Mass. school system to do the same.

In the summer of 1958, she met the love of her life, Lt. Eduard C. Richter USAF, who was stationed at Otis Air Force Base on Cape Cod. They were married in 1959, started raising a family, then moved to Chatham, N.J.. and then Malvern, Pa. During this time Beverly was instrumental in establishing a Christian elementary school at The Church of the Good Samaritan in Paoli, Pa. In 1972, they moved to Portland following Eduard’s change in career. She supported her husband through the years acting as one of his administrative assistants at Measurex Corporation. Beverly was extremely involved in her children’s activities from school and sports events, to Girl Scouts to Youth Discovery Groups at church. Beverly was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Portland and served on the church vestry and the Altar Guild. She also was on the Board of Manager’s for 75 State Street, serving the needs of the elderly. In later years, Beverly volunteered at Maine Medical Center, working in the pastoral care department, helping comfort patients during their hospital stay.

Beverly’s greatest joy was being around people, especially her family. She loved her grandchildren and had a weekly ritual which she called her “Nana Day”, spending many days with grandchildren at Scarborough Beach, Gray Wildlife Park and at Little Sebago Lake. Beverly also had a special place in her heart for four legged creatures. She enjoyed watching the birds at her feeder, making sure there was plenty of food for all; including the squirrels. She was a spiritual person; often finding comfort and joy in the Lord’s blessings. Beverly was the happiest when she was at Little Sebago Lake, enjoying the views of the water and especially the beautiful sunsets. She would always tell everyone “Come to the lake”. In her retirement, Bev and Ed had the opportunity to travel, enjoying the sights in a dozen countries throughout Europe. Beverly was an avid reader and approached life with a wonderful sense of humor.

She leaves behind her husband of 64 years of marriage, Eduard Conrad Richter; her daughter, Karen Richter-Hall and husband Thomas, their sons Parker Hall and Mason Hall of Pownal; a son, William Mark Richter and wife Susan Richter, their daughters Allison Richter of San Diego, Calif., Stephanie Richter and fiancé Ross Becker of Cumberland, and Sarah Richter of Charlotte, N.C.; a cousin, Muriel Milne of Brunswick, and Diane Richter Lawrence of Boyertown, Pa.

There will be a celebration of her life on Sunday June 11 at 1 p.m. with a reception to follow. All are welcome. Trinity Episcopal Church is located at 580 Forest Ave., Portland.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her memory to the:

Alzheimer’s Association

383 U.S. Route 1

Scarborough, ME 04072 or:

Animal Refuge of

Greater Portland

217 Landing Rd.

Westbrook, ME 04092