Beverly Jan Montano-Headley, 79, of Apopka, FL passed away Friday, November 22, 2024 at Glenn A. Kiser Hospice House in Salisbury.

Beverly was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, on September 16, 1945 and decided at a young age that she wanted to work for the United Nations. At the age of 18, she left her beautiful home island and started a new life in New York City. Beverly spent her professional career working at the United Nations Funds for Population Activities (UNFPA) in New York City, until she retired and relocated to Apopka, FL in 2002.

Beverly enjoyed many music genres ranging from the Calypso of her home, the Carpenters, Fleetwood Mac, and Elton John, to Prince and Lionel Ritchie, to Def Leppard, and enjoyed traveling having visited many countries including Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Canada, and South America.

Beverly loved animals and cared for many cats over the course of her life. More than one of her daughter’s cats stopped by Beverly’s house to visit and chose to stay. At a Birmingham, England, Bed and Breakfast, the owner’s beloved cat followed Beverly to her room at check-in and made himself comfortable. At check-out the owner nervously asked if Beverly had checked her bag for a stowaway.

A big believer in the empowerment of women, Beverly met a young girl in Nicaragua who was unable to go to school, and took it upon herself to sponsor that girl’s education for many years. Upon retirement, Beverly donated her collection of Versace suits to Dress For Succes, a non-profit that assists unemployed and underemployed women achieve economic independence.

Beverly was preceded in death by her Grandmother, Elsie Butcher, Great Aunt Lidine Field, her mother, Ruby Celestine, her father, and older brother.

Beverly is survived by her devoted husband Michael Headley, her daughter Dana Adams, and her son Darien DaCosta.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women. Visit https://untf.unwomen.org/en to make a donation to prevent and end violence against women and girls who are survivors or at-risk of violence.

A memorial and celebration of Beverly’s life will be held on Sunday, February 16, 2025 at Celebrations Garden in Winter Park, FL. Please contact Darien DaCosta at ddacosta0791@gmail.com for information.

Carolina Cremation is honored to serve the Montano-Headley family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.