Traverse City – Beverly Garthe McCort, 87, of Traverse City passed away Saturday, January 13, 2018 at Culver Meadows Senior Living surrounded by her loving family.

Beverly was born March 15, 1930 to the late Paul and Evelyn (Owley) Garthe in Milwaukee. From there the family moved to Dayton, and then on to Traverse City in the mid-1940's.

Beverly met her future husband William (Bill) McCort while attending TC Central High School, and the two were married in Traverse City on June 17, 1950. Following the path of Bill's career, the two lived in Flint for 18 years. After the birth of their third child (a son!) they returned to Traverse City.

Bev enjoyed being involved in her children's lives and put her heart into being a mom. She was the quintessential homemaker. She loved to cook, was an accomplished seamstress and an avid reader. She enjoyed needlework and knitting in her spare time.
She was very social with friends and enjoyed playing tennis, golf, cross country skiing, music and traveling.

Beverly was a member of The First Congregational Church and contributed to the Old Mission Women's Club. She was passionate about gardening and was an active member of The Friendly Garden Club. One year her garden was featured on the annual Garden Walk, an accomplishment of which she was quite proud. Bevi and her husband loved to entertain and play bridge. Her love of nature was reflected in all of her interests, especially in the design of her home. She has passed that love to all of her children and grandchildren.

Throughout the years she continued to make friends and charm the people around her, making them laugh with her dry sense of humor, spunk and love of life.

She is survived by her daughters Kerry (Rick) Alspaugh of Traverse City and Anne Leonardi, (Joe De Luca), former son-in-law, Drew Leonardi of Traverse City; son Bill (Kim) McCort, former daughter-in-law, Martha McCort of Traverse City; sister Sonja (John) McGettrick; grandchildren Jessica and Sarah Alspaugh, Kelsey and Nikki Leonardi and Max McCort; sisters-in-law Sue (Jock) Denio and Nancy (Joe) Muha and many nieces and nephews.


She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and mother-in-law Constance McCort.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at 3 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, with visitation beginning at 2 p.m. Rev. Dr. Gary Hogue will officiate the service. If you'd like to share your pictures or memories please bring them to Bev's service.

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to all the people at Boardman Lake Glens, Culver Meadows, and Hospice of Michigan, for many years of devoted, loving and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing an expression of sympathy are encouraged to direct contributions to the Leelanau Conservancy, 105 N 1st Street, Leland, MI 49654, The Friendly Garden Club, 6777 Deepwater Point Road, Williamsburg, MI 49690 or FLOW (For the Love of Water), 153 East Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49684.