Beryl Webb Spencer died peacefully with her family at her side at the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative and Hospice Care at the age of 101 on 9/10/2026. Born in the farming community of Sparta Wisconsin in 1925, Beryl grew up in Milwaukee, and completed her undergraduate studies at the Milwaukee-Downer College. In 1950, while working as an occupational therapist in Ann Arbor, Michigan she married the love of her life and husband of 55 years Haven H. Spencer (1922-2005). Beryl and Haven welcomed five children into the world. In 1964, the family relocated to Dover, MA where the children grew into adulthood.

In addition to managing a household of five rambunctious kids, Beryl accomplished a great deal professionally. She applied her training in occupational therapy to various private and public psychiatric programs. In mid-life, and while working fulltime, Beryl earned a master’s degree in public health from Boston University. Beryl was directly involved in the State of Massachusetts’ effort to deinstitutionalize patients who had mental illness. Under the auspices of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, Public Welfare, and Public Health she effectively oversaw the establishment and directed two certified adult mental health outpatient clinics and day treatment centers in the Boston area.

Upon retirement in 1999, Beryl and Haven moved to Woodstock, VT, near her son Stan's family. To Beryl and Haven’s delight, Stan and his wife Lynn hosted many lively, multigenerational family gatherings at their Vermont farm. Beryl referred to her 25 years in Woodstock as “some of the happiest times of her life.” She found time to engage with the delightful Woodstock community, traveled the world, read extensively, participated in multiple book groups, completed history classes, and kept her biscotti jar well stocked for visitors. In Woodstock Beryl also pursued her long-time interest in art and became a skilled watercolor artist. Remaining active into her later years, she and her beloved dog Mollie were well known and frequently seen around town.

To celebrate her 100th birthday in March 2025, Beryl hosted a fun and memorable gathering in Woodstock, VT with 70 family members representing four generations from across the US. This was truly a celebration of family, and a life well lived! Her last few years were spent at The Village in White River Junction where she enjoyed the supportive community of many wonderful friends and staff.

Beryl is survived by five children: Randal (Jody), Karen (Doug Swartz), Todd (Miriam), Robert (Kelly), and Stanley (Lynn), 13 grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.

Donations in her memory may be made to the children’s reading program at your local library or The Northern Stage Theater in White River Junction. There will be a private family burial ceremony in Woodstock, VT later in September.