Beverly Loretta (Mortlock) Arel, 84, of Bedford, died on Friday, November 24, 2017 at her home. She was born on September 28, 1933 in Nashua, daughter of the late Harry William and Jeannette (Landry) Mortlock.
She was the wife of the late Roger Pierre Arel who died on December 27, 2016.
Beverly graduated from Central High School Class of 1951. She received her bachelor's degree and a master's degree from UNH and an honorary degree in Applied Sciences from the New Hampshire Vocational Technical College in 1986.
She was the founder of the Manchester Association for Retarded Children which became The Moore Center. She was the first CEO, president and served on the initial Board of Directors. Throughout her life, Beverly worked to provide services to the Developmentally Disabled through advocacy, development of services from infancy to seniors and creation of a regional system throughout the state providing services to developmentally disabled individuals. She served on the UNH advisory committee for the Institute on Disabilities and the NH Department of Health and Human Services, among many other agencies. In 1987, she received a key to the city from Mayor Robert Shaw. In 1994, Beverly was recognized as Citizen of the Year. She retired from the Moore Center in 1997.
After retirement, Beverly continued to devote her time to the needs of others. She sat on many committees and Boards of Directors including the Manchester Regional Area Committee on Aging and Child Health Services. She received recognition for service with The Way Home, Service Link, EngAGING NH, Senior SuccessAbility and many other agencies
In 2008, The Moore Center honored her for her contributions to the lives of others. That year, she was also recognized by the Senate of the State of New Hampshire.
Along with her parents and husband, Roger, Beverly was predeceased by her grandson, F. Anthony Ferko IV.
She is survived by her son, Peter Arel; two daughters, Shari Ferko and Donna Arel; a granddaughter, Allison Ferko; a great-grandson, Alexander Ferko; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
SERVICES: Visitation will be from 3-7pm on Monday, December 4, 2017, at Phaneuf Funeral Home & Crematorium, 250 Coolidge Ave in Manchester. A service will be held in the chapel at Edgewood Cemetery in Nashua on Tuesday, December 5, at 1pm. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend.
Those who wish may make a memorial contribution can make it to The Moore Center in Beverly's name.
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