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Beverley Diane Kingsley (aka Bev Paquette and Bev Ritchie), a business consultant, community philanthropist and lifelong resident of Machesney Park, IL and Pleasanton, CA, died on Sunday, January 31, 2021 while suffering from chronic pain and COPD. Beverley was surrounded by her loved ones during this difficult time.
Beverley is survived by her son and his family Jason, Nikki and Lyric Paquette, his ex, Vonda Vogan and their children, Starlit and Trevor Paquette and step-children, Wade and Dustin Vogan; her daughter and her family, Heather Paquette and Paul Franczyk, their children Thaddeus, Stephan and Gavin Franczyk; her extended family, Dennis, Melissa and Jean Vance; Michel and Charlene Paquette Moscovici, their children Alexander and Marianne Moscovici. She is predeceased by her parents, Jess Ritchie and Delphina Ratti; and her late husband, David Paquette.
Beverley was born on April 23, 1945 in Pleasanton, CA. Beverley and her husband moved to the Rockford area in 1970 after the birth of their son. Beverley is a graduate of Amador Valley High, Class of 1964 and attended Chabot College in Hayward, CA and Judson University in a Rockford, IL. Prior to her passing, Beverley retired from being self employed as a business consultant, helping private companies in market research, advertising, banking and management. Beverley spent a number of years at Rock River Training Corp where she helped candidates enhance their resumes and prepare for interviews. She used her relationships with the local area businesses to facilitate placing job candidates and obtaining grants for services. She’s best known for her work as the director of the Small Business Development Center at Rock Valley College from 1984-1996 where she assisted entrepreneurs in obtaining more than $25 million in loans by promoting their businesses to local financial institutions. She also taught classes at Rock Valley College, Rockford College, Oklahoma Economic Development Institute and University of Wisconsin.
Beverley hosted weekly WROK radio shows highlighting important issues affecting small businesses. She was recognized by the City of Rockford, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, and the US Small Business Administration for her work. Beverley was actively involved in the community, donating her time and energy to enhancing the Rockford area through her work with the Winnebago Housing Authority board, Rockford College Center for Non-Profit Excellence, Workforce Investment Board of Winnebago and Boone Counties, the Rockford College Board of Counselors and the Rockford Area Chamber of Commerce Board, YMCA, AMCORE Advisory Board and On the Waterfront board. Beverley helped to launch the ATHENA Powerlink program to Rockford, providing a free board of advisors to women entrepreneurs. She was later recognized for her work by receiving ATHENA International Leadership Award in 1987 for supporting, honoring and developing women leaders - an honor her daughter also received over 20 years later.
Beverley was an incredible woman who inspired others to reach their full potential. She served as a role model for many, spending countless hours mentoring and coaching others. Her personality was larger than life and perhaps the only thing bigger than her jewelry. She always had a zest for life, great sense of humor and was an amazing storyteller who knew how to work a room and get stuff done. She was a fairy godmother, mom #2 and fierce advocate for her family and friends. She’d tell you that her greatest accomplishment was raising two wonderful children and eight grandchildren who are full of love, happiness, courage and confidence. She had enormous strength within and will be missed.
The funeral service will be held on Friday, February 5, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. in Honquest Funeral Home with Crematory, 4311 N. Mulford Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until time of service. Masks and social distancing observed.
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