Beverly McMahon, 86, of Fargo, ND, died suddenly on September 11, 2017, at Sanford Medical Center, surrounded by her family.

Beverly was born August 25, 1931, in Drake, ND, to Myrtle (McNamara) and Einar Nelson, the youngest of 8 children. She attended Drake elementary and high schools, and received a teaching certificate from Minot State Teacher’s College. She taught elementary school before starting her own family.

She met Harvey McMahon, Jr., at a dance in August, 1954. They were married December 11, 1954. They moved frequently for his work, living in Grand Forks, ND; Moorhead, MN; Dickinson, ND; Underwood, MN; Minot, ND; Bismarck, ND; Davenport, IA; Bettendorf, IA; Schenectady, NY; Delmar, NY; Amsterdam, NY; Springfield, VA; Silver Springs, MD; Omaha, NE; Akeley, MN; Aviano, Italy; Dent, MN; Sun City West, AZ; and Fargo, ND; among others. They had 4 children.

Beverly was exceptional in her ability to make her house into a home, to make friends and conversation wherever she was, forming lasting connections. She was musically gifted—a wonderful singer and pianist whether at church or singing lullabies to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed playing cards and other games, or any excuse to visit around the table. She was proud of the accomplishments of her family. She had a tremendous faith in God—visible to all who knew her.

Beverly is survived by her loving husband, Harvey McMahon, Jr.; sister, Evelyn Lind (Seal Beach, CA); 4 children: Cynthia (John) Niemela, Rapid City, SD; Bruce (Deena) McMahon, St. Paul, MN; Ruth (Daryn) Kapaun, Dent, MN; Harvey (Christiane) McMahon, III, Jamestown, ND; 11 grandchildren: Frances (Chris) Loehr, Hermosa, SD; Donelle (Andy) Heieie, Chaska, MN; Cassie (Andy) Wahl, Detroit Lakes, MN; Arthur Niemela, Minnetonka, MN; Ethan (Teasha) McMahon, Goldsboro, NC; Caleb McMahon, New York, NY; Harvey (Allie) McMahon, IV, Fargo, ND; Kylie McMahon, Denver, CO; Samuel Stratton, Fargo, ND; Katy McMahon, Sequim, WA; and Ali Kapaun, Dent, MN; 7 great-grandchildren: Tristan, Samson, Breezy and Judah Wahl, Delysia and Truett Loehr and Corbin Heieie; exchange student Rosalina Jackson; and extended family, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, Einar and Myrtle Nelson; siblings, Norman Nelson, Thora (George) Willey, Lorraine (Jorgan) Ringen, Muriel (Eugene) Pope, two infant brothers, Murlyn Nelson and Lavern Nelson; and her grandson, Connor McMahon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the givers choice.