STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — For more than five decades, Staten Islanders entrusted their children’s care to Dr. Beverley Joan Short, a pediatrician whose compassion, skill, and dedication left a lasting mark on generations of families.

A respected caregiver, Dr. Short, who lived in New Dorp, died on Oct. 8. She was 83.

Born on Jan. 14, 1942, in Franklin, Tennessee, Dr. Short — affectionately known as Joan — grew up on a farm surrounded by nature, books, and animals. The daughter of Judge James C. Short and Bonnie LaRue Short, Dr. Short was the youngest of four sisters, Virginia, Barbara, and Jimmie. The sisters shared a deep love of learning that defined their upbringing and shaped Dr. Short’s lifelong curiosity.

“My aunt was a brilliant woman,” said her niece, Bonnie McMullen. “All three sis

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