Plan for the Future
Beverley Smith Agnew passed away peacefully January 12, 2022 at the age of 89. Bev is survived by her husband, Francis J Agnew Jr., and their children, Monica Agnew, Meg Agnew, Christopher Agnew, John Agnew, Jane Agnew Schelling and Brian Agnew. She is predeceased by her brother, Hamilton Smith and sister, Suzanne Hudson. She was the proud Grandmother to 13 grandchildren that include: Brian Agnew, Luke Agnew, Caroline Agnew, Patrick Agnew, Jack Agnew, Kevin Agnew, Max Schelling, Peter Schelling, William Schelling, Sarah Schelling, Katie Agnew, Molly Agnew and Lily Agnew.
Bev was born on April 8, 1932 in Algonac, Michigan, to the late Hamilton and Irene Smith. Bev was the granddaughter of Christopher Columbus Smith, the founder of Chris Craft, the world’s largest builder of mahogany power boats known for its quality and craftsmanship. She and her family enjoyed their free time boating on the St. Clair River. Bev particularly loved her own boat, My Beverley, given to her by her father. Years later, Bev started a career as a flight attendant with Eastern Airlines, which moved her to New York City, where she met Frank. They married June 13, 1959 at the Chapel at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.
Over eleven years they had six children and raised them in Short Hills, NJ where they resided for 40 years. Bev was an active volunteer at St. Rose of Lima School where her children attended elementary school. Bev also enjoyed playing bridge and was a voracious reader. In their later years, Bev and Frank enjoyed going to Hutchinson Island, Florida in the winter months. They had a great group of friends whom they looked forward to seeing every year. But most importantly Bev was all about family. She loved being around her children and grandchildren. She never missed a dominoes game, a play, school concert, soccer, football or lacrosse game. If you ask her children, “She was the best mom in the world!”
