PETERBOROUGH — Beverly Elaine Gordon, 79, of RiverMead Road died July 28, 2010, at RiverMead Retirement Community in Peterborough.

She was born in Peterborough on Jan. 3, 1931, the daughter of Ellen Pierson and Roger Sullivan, and grew up in Peterborough.

She was a graduate of Peterborough High School, class of 1949.

She was also a graduate of Becker College in Worcester, Mass., The Perry School in Boston, Mass., and Keene State College.

She worked as a secretary to the Director of the New Hampshire State Parks from 1950 to 1955, then returned to college to prepare for a teaching career.

She taught kindergarten in Massachusetts and Vermont. In 1967, she married Thomas K. Gordon, a longtime physics teacher at ConVal High School in Peterborough.

After her husband’s death in 1982, Mrs. Gordon developed a career in writing. She authored four books and also did freelance magazine writing.

In retirement years, she enjoyed watercolor painting.

She is survived by her sisters, Barbara Brooks of Hebron and Norma Sullivan of Milford; nieces, nephews and cousins; a very special niece, Susan Young of North Carolina, and a special friend, Debbie Moreshead of Allenstown.

A graveside service and burial was held Saturday at the family lot in Lower Pine Hill Cemetery, Peterborough. The Rev. Sue Bonner officiated.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Beverly S. and Thomas K. Gordon Scholarship Fund, c/o Blodgett, Makechnie & Lawrence, 26A Concord St., Peterborough 03458.

Jellison Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Peterborough is assisting with arrangements.