Katharine Benedict Beverstock, 61, departed peacefully on December 11, 2023, in Gloucester Point, Virginia. Her departure, a reflection of a life lived fully, came too soon. Affectionately known as Katie, she shed a gentle light on everyone she encountered. Her life’s journey, marked by exploration and fervent passion, stands as a testament to a purposeful existence devoted to making the world a better place.

Born in 1962 in San Francisco to Stephen and Katharine “Kay” Foster, Katie, a trailblazer among her siblings Weezie, Stephen, and Bittin, spent her formative years along the wooded riverbanks of Perrysburg, Ohio. In 1980, a quest for knowledge led her to the University of Colorado Boulder, where she studied environmental design and embarked on an unforgettable Semester at Sea. Guided by an innate connection to nature, Katie ventured to Idaho with her wolf hybrid, Kazan, crafting an eco-friendly house, using hand tools, in the untamed woods. In 1987, altruism called her to the Peace Corps, dedicating a heartfelt year on the Southern Pacific Island of Kosrae. With Dave Beverstock by her side, their odyssey unfolded, leading to marriage atop the Dalai Lama Palace and the joyous arrival of their beloved sons, Brooks and Reed. Settling in Stafford, Virginia, in 1994, Katie and Dave cultivated a nurturing environment for their sons, embracing homeschooling and immersing them in a life rich with travel and cultural experiences. For 25 years, Katie’s love for nature found expression as a Master Gardener, passing on her knowledge to the next generation. Even as her sons pursued higher education, Katie continued her passion for teaching through the Huntington Learning Center and as a devoted private tutor.

In her later years, Katie embarked on an admirable journey of self-discovery, relocating to a cottage on Sarah Creek, an estuary of the Potomac River. Here, she seamlessly blended old hobbies, such as leading canoeing trips with friends to local restaurants, with newfound passions like engaging in book clubs and attending operas, symphonies, and plays. Fostering meaningful friendships continued to be a hallmark of her life, and her undiminished zest for life and art made each day a vibrant chapter in her remarkable journey.

As her final months unfolded, Katie confronted the unknown with a quiet sense of contentment, reflecting on a life overflowing with fulfillment, rich in experiences, and marked by a profound connection to the world she dearly loved. Born by the bay, raised by the river, and drawing her last breath by the creek. Katie embodied a self-nurturing yet free-spirited, nature-loving persona. She leaves behind a legacy woven with love, adventurous spirit, and an unwavering dedication to positive change.

Preceded in death by her mother, Kay, Katie is survived by her father, siblings, beloved sons, a daughter-in-law, two loving grandchildren, and her former husband. She rests beside Kay at Woodland Historical Cemetery in Toledo, Ohio. Her luminous spirit persists through the memories she crafted, casting a lasting imprint on the hearts of all who were fortunate to cross paths with her.