Beverly A. Musiak

Beverly A. (Kent) Musiak of Indian Orchard passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on May 26, 2024, at the age of 85. Born on September 15, 1938, in Springfield, Massachusetts, to the late Gerald and Clarice "Meme" (Levesque) Kent, Bev was a beacon of joy and caring throughout her life.

Bev attended Cathedral High School and remained a lifelong member of St. Matthews Church. She married her husband, Richard J. Musiak, in 1955. Their love story spanned 58 years until his passing in 2013.

Bev's home was a hub of joy and warmth, often the site of many gatherings for family and friends. During the summers, her home became a favorite hangout for all the neighborhood kids who loved to swim in the pool that Bev adored. She spent most of her summer weekends in her bathing suit, hosting BBQs and reveling in the company of her family—her favorite thing in the world. Bev welcomed anyone into her home, always ensuring that everyone felt like part of the family.

Bev's life was full of color and joy, from her love of red—evident in her cars, nails, hair, and the iconic red door of her brick home—to her cherished poodle, Chibi, who was always by her side. She embraced her husband's Polish heritage with a passion for polka dancing, often seen swirling effortlessly on the dance floor with Richard. Bev's zest for life extended to candlepin bowling, shopping, cruising, and enjoying seafood.

Bev's grandchildren were the light of her life, and she was the heart of every family gathering. Every grandchild longed to sleepover at Gram’s. Leaving her home hungry was never an option and she was an exceptional knitter, a talent that mirrored her ability to weave her family together with strength and tenderness.

Bev was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Richard, and her daughter, Deborah Nelson. Bev leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter with her daughter, Cynthia and Joseph Pacheco of Ellington, CT; her sons, Kent Musiak of Indian Orchard; Kevin J. and Jennifer Musiak of Indian Orchard; Richard H. Musiak of Hampden, MA; her son-in-law Terry Nelson of Southport, NC; and her grandchildren, Patricia Learned Godoy of Corona, CA; Tracy Dube, Andy and April Anderson of Ware, MA; Joseph Musiak of New Hampshire; Kent Musiak, Jr., Kevin Musiak, Jr. and Amy Nason of Springfield, MA; Kathleen Musiak of East Longmeadow, MA; and Scott and Kathleen Nelson of Atlanta, GA. She is also survived by 18 great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss her dearly.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM at Ratell Funeral Home at 200 Main Street, Indian Orchard, followed by a service at 1:30 PM. A committal service will take place at 3:00 PM at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA. We invite all who knew Beverly to visit ratellfuneralhome.com to share memories and expressions of sympathy.