When we pass away, we carry nothing with us. Nevertheless, surprisingly, we leave things behind. The most unforgettable part of our legacy is the impact we had on others' emotions.
If measuring success by how we're remembered, Beverly McGee’s kin can take comfort knowing she left an impact far greater than her collection of books! Following the announcement of her departure on the Cape Breton Regional Library System’s Facebook page recently, numerous comments highlighted her significant role in shaping young minds within CBRM. A commenter reminisced about how vital this librarian was to their cherished early years' recollections.
McGee passed away on March 30, roughly nine years following her retirement from service within the CBRL system. However, this span of time hasn’t diminished the recollections or impact she left behind among those who recall "Bev," the dedicated children's librarian and programmer.
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‘FULL OF LOVE’
When folks talk about the Amherst-born mom, grandmother, companion, sibling, aunt, and friend, they often mention bev, infants, and literature.
The obituary published in the Cape Breton Post last week started with these words: "She led a life brimming with love, compassion, and commitment to those surrounding her, and she will be profoundly missed by her loved ones, companions, and the community she supported."
Those who are old enough - considering a youthful demographic - will recall her contributions from 1988 up until her retirement in 2016 through initiatives like the Babies & Books Program, the Teddy Bear Sleepover event, and her Pre-School Story Time sessions. These efforts have had an impact, providing entertainment, education, and delight to potentially two generations of children!
Regional librarian Lisa Mulak started collaborating with McGee in 1998 within the children’s programming section at the James McConnell Library in Sydney.
Children were her passion," states Mulak. "Many noticed how her face would brighten whenever someone greeted her. She showed everyone an immense amount of kindness.
Mulak, who was formally educated in library science, mentions that she acquired much of her professional knowledge at school but admits, "it doesn’t compare to what I learned working alongside Bev in the library."
LOVE OF BOOKS
A entry in the memorial book established for McGee by her family and accessible via the Sydney Memorial Chapel funeral home website explains the impact of her existence on a single family.
Jill Murphy wrote:
"We initially crossed paths with Bev nearly 12 years back when she was managing the Babies and Books program At our neighborhood library, she had a profound affection for the kids in her group. Due to this bond, we kept up our routine visits each week. She appeared genuinely delighted whenever we arrived. Many years down the line, when my nine-year-old penned their inaugural book, we presented a copy to Bev—their very first librarian. Sitting beside them, she went through every single page, posing queries and showing considerable enthusiasm about the narrative. We shall forever cherish memories of Bev and her passion for both literature and individuals. To us, she was an illuminating presence throughout our children’s formative years."
The Mombourquette family highlighted the effect McGee had on their younger members' lives, stating in part: "It’s hard to gauge how many kids’ educational foundations were cultivated by Bev prior to entering the schooling environment. What a wonderful heritage she leaves behind."
A previous colleague named Mulak mentions that McGee was someone who prioritized others and consistently went above and beyond to assist everybody.
The late poet Maya Angelou mentioned that "Achieving success means having self-approval, enjoying your tasks, and feeling good about how you perform them."
Beverly McGee, the children’s librarian, surpassed conventional measures of success. She cultivated a deep affection for herself, her work, and her approach among an entire generation of children.