Beverly Ann (Besaw) Dunphy

Beverly Ann Dunphy, “Bev,” passed away peacefully Thursday morning, July 21, 2011 in De Pere. She joined her husband, Donald James Dunphy, who preceded her in death in 1983. The former Beverly Besaw was born June 28, 1928 to Earl Besaw and Geneva McCormick. Beverly graduated from Kaukauna High School in 1946 and married her husband Donald on June 24, 1950. Don and Bev raised their nine children in Wrightstown and were proprietors of Dunphy’s Liquor Store for 29 years. She was an active, long time member of St. Clare’s Parish (formerly St. Paul’s) in Wrightstown, where she attended daily mass and was a member of the lady’s choir. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and was an avid reader, lover of the outdoors and the occasional old fashioned cocktail. Before and during her retirement, Bev volunteered for Womankind and Mother Unborn Baby Care, organizations that assist young mothers, eventually serving as a director for several years. She received the Sister Michaeline McClone Volunteer Award for her service in 2002. Bev was beloved by her family and friends, and her song of joy for life will be missed. Beverly is survived by her nine children and their partners: Donald and Ruth Dunphy, Gleason, WI; Kathy and Glenn Green, Appleton; Greg and Virginia (Gin) Dunphy, Brillion; Ann and Tom Aerts, Wrightstown; Chris and Steve Bastian, Winneconne; Steve and Lori Dunphy, Kaukauna; Isabelle and Jim Neuman, De Pere; Mary Dunphy and Troy Andrews, Sarasota, FL; and Ken Dunphy, Wrightstown. Bev is further survived by her 17 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and one grandchild, Laura Bastian, along with numerous relatives and close friends. Friends may visit Friday, July 22, 2011 at St. Clare’s Catholic Church – St. Paul site, 437 Main Street, Wrightstown, at 4pm. A prayer service will be held at 8pm. Visitation will continue at the church beginning at 9:30am Saturday morning. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am with Rev. Dennis Bergsbaken officiating. There will be a private burial service at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Wrightstown. The family would like to thank the staff of Unity Hospice and Birch Creek De Pere, especially Amy, Courtenay, Jodi, Kiana, Katie, Marsha, Tammy, and Becky. “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling, sure 'tis like a morn in spring. In the lilt of Irish laughter you can hear the angels sing, When Irish hearts are happy, all the world seems bright and gay, And When Irish Eyes Are Smiling, sure, they steal your heart away.”