Beverly L. Sloat

SCARBOROUGH — Beverly L. (Graffam) Sloat, 86, of Cumberland, died on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House.

She was the wife of the late Arthur H. Sloat, who died on April 17, 1981.

She was born on May 20, 1927, the daughter of the late Phillip and May (White) Graffam and was raised by her father and her stepmother, Laurie (Holmes) Graffam. She graduated from Windham High School in 1946 and was married to Arthur two weeks after graduation.

After raising her children, Bev went to work for the former Pineland Hospital in Pownal, before retiring in 1987.

Bev always kept herself busy as she was a member and officer for The Rebbekah’s in Westbrook, holding the office of Past Noble Grand. She was also a member of several American Legion Auxiliary’s and was very active with the Lunn-Hunnewell AMVETS Post #6 Woman’s Auxiliary in New Gloucester. She also volunteered her time at the VA Hospital in Togus, the Scarborough Veteran’s Home and Sweetser’s Home in Saco.

She enjoyed traveling and had been to most of the 50 states. She was very fond of Hawaii and Florida and also traveled to Germany and Ireland. She also loved to dance, especially the polka.

She is survived by her daughter, Carolyn L. Sloat of Cumberland; her son, Barry of Raymond; two grandchildren and two great-grandsons.

She was also the sister of the late Philip Graffam.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014, at 2 p.m., at the West Cumberland United Methodist Church, 5 Upper Methodist Rd., Cumberland, with Pastor Geoffrey Gross officiating. Burial in the West Cumberland United Methodist Cemetery will take place in the spring. Arrangements are under the care of Advantage Funeral Services, 981 Forest Ave., Portland. Please visit www.advantageportland.com to sign Bev’s guestbook and to leave condolences for the family.

Donations in Beverly’s memory may be made to: Homeless Animal Rescue Team (HART), 302 Range Rd., Cumberland, ME 04021 or Cumberland Food Pantry, 290 Tuttle Rd., Cumberland, ME 04021.