Remembering a devoted animal lover

For animal lovers, there is a special story that warms the heart and makes us hurt just a little bit less when one of our “fur kids” leaves this earth.

The story of the Rainbow Bridge tells of a lovely golden meadow where pets wait for what seems like the blink of an eye, for those humans they so dearly loved on earth. The bridge is a place of no pain, no anger, no bad things at all.

Recently, there must have been a good deal of commotion at the bridge when one very loved woman, among animals and humans, joined the ranks waiting there.

Beverly Wood Trowill of Pittsfield passed away suddenly at her home on Feb. 4.

Beverly was born in North Adams on May 28, 1940, the daughter of Gladys (Daignault) Wood and Allen S. Wood.  She leaves her beloved husband John (Jack) Trowill, whom she married on Dec. 3, 1960.

She is also survived by her mother, Gladys Wood of Florida, Mass.; a brother, Stephen, and his wife, Paulina; her sister, Judy Ebry; her daughter, Peggy Smith; and her son, Peter, and his wife, Nancy. In addition, she is survived by four grandchildren, Jessica and Alex Smith, Morgan Trowill and Kyle Cahalan, and her beloved cats, Grace and Katie, as well as her dog, Jeffrey.

Beverly became involved with the newly-formed Berkshire Humane Society in the early 1990s. She coordinated the volunteer program for several years.

She became a member of the board of directors and served for eight years in that capacity. By that time, the organization had progressed from the cellar of a barn to a new and beautiful $4 million dollar shelter on Barker Road in Pittsfield.

Beverly volunteered in many areas of the shelter in the early years of BHS.  She worked in booths at various local fundraisers and founded the yearly raffle called “Lucky Dog,” which brought in approximately $15,000 per year.

She became a cat adopter when her knowledge and ability to work with people expanded. This became her favorite activity.

After retiring from the board, she continued to help in every way possible and, for many years, was very involved in the organization’s annual auction.

The Berkshire Humane Society became Beverly’s passion, much more than just a volunteer job. She wrote articles that appeared in the shelter newsletter and in Animal Life magazine. Eventually she took over the responsibility of the shelter newsletter and became the editor of “Humane Tales.”

Beverly’s loss is sadly felt by the many people who loved her. And, at the Rainbow Bridge, no doubt she was greeted with a standing ovation for all she has done over the years to help the animals who needed her.

Posted by Staff Reports on February 21, 2013. Filed under Remembrances. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry