Beverly Joan Holt

Beverly Joan Holt (Bettencourt) passed away peacefully at home on April 13, 2026, surrounded by her family, in the manner she had hoped for - quickly, without suffering, and in the presence of those she loved most.

Her life was a remarkable testament to resilience. Born June 24, 1932 into a large family during difficult times, Beverly experienced significant hardship in her early years, including separation from her siblings and time spent in foster care. These experiences shaped her deeply, instilling in her a lifelong compassion for those who struggled and a profound sensitivity to the unseen burdens others carry.

Despite these early challenges, Beverly built a life rich in purpose, connection, and meaning. She devoted more than 30 years to the Lincoln Unified School District in Stockton, California, where she served in a variety of roles, ultimately becoming an Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent. She took particular pride in advocating for both students and staff, and was known for her ability to meet people, especially young people, with patience, respect, and understanding. She believed that high school students, in particular, needed not only discipline, but empathy. During her years in the district, she also formed deep and lasting friendships with her colleagues, relationships that remained meaningful throughout her life. The Beverly Holt Board Room was dedicated as a testament to the contributions she made throughout her career.

Beverly’s personal life was equally full. She shared a loving marriage with her husband Dick (Dagfin) for 49 years, prior to his passing in 1999. Together they built a home grounded in music, humor, and mutual support. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and often described her family as her greatest accomplishment. She instilled in them a guiding principle she held dear: to treat others with kindness and to leave every place better than they found it.

When she relocated to Laguna Beach in 2002, she served for many years as a valued volunteer to the Susi Q Senior Center and Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce. She found joy in travel, especially a trip to the Azores, where she explored her heritage, and in time spent with friends and family. She loved music of many kinds and carried a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. She was known for her vibrant personal style, often dressed in cheerful, bright colors, most often yellow, and rarely without one of her many hats, each adorned with enamel pins, along with matching reading glasses and a bright scarf.

Beverly especially loved holidays and gatherings. She took great delight in creating warm, welcoming celebrations, complete with themed decorations, figurines, table settings, and special touches for every occasion. Her table was always abundant—she was just as likely to serve turkey along with a ham, prime rib, and raviolis, just in case there were some added eaters. She became famous among family and friends for her “GBGB” bread, or “Grandma Bev’s Garlic Bread,” a buttery, garlicky creation made with her own special blend of spices.

Through her writing, Beverly leaves behind a vivid and honest account of her life—one marked not by ease, but by strength, growth, and enduring compassion.

She is survived by her two brothers, Don and Roy Bettencourt; her daughters, Sheryl Eberhardt and Allyn Bryan (Scott); her granddaughters and their husbands, Heather Almanza (Gonzalo) and Jillian Villanueva (John); her great-grandchildren, Manza, Annalisa, and Nicholas Almanza; and many nieces and nephews.

She will be remembered for her resilience, her generosity of spirit, and the quiet but lasting impact she had on the lives around her, most especially by those who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

Private family services will be held. Her ashes will be scattered at sea off the coast of Catalina Island, where she spent many summers, and where she will be reunited with her beloved husband.

Donations in her memory would be appreciated to https://fosterlove.com or https://orangewoodfoundation.org. Two charitable organizations that provide support services to foster youth.