Born July 5, 1924 in Auburn, Indiana, daughter of Kenneth and Ruth Gonser, Beverly had an idyllic small-town childhood, shared with two surviving sisters, Barb (late Dick) Gamrath and Carolyn (late Jim) Donaldson. Always a bright student, she excelled academically in high school and went on to complete coursework at Indiana University before the War brought her home. One of her favorite childhood memories was attending the 1933 Chicago’s World Fair.
Beverly married her hometown sweetheart, Bernard “Bernie” J. Kelly, May 21, 1945, upon his return from England after serving in the Army Air Corps in World War II. They remained happily married until Bernie’s passing in 1990. Together, they proudly raised 12 children: Rose Otte (Russ), preceded her in death 1996 (2022); Anne Drnec (Mike), Colleen McKenna (Frank); Tom (Barbara); Bill; Dave (Linda); Diane Reidy (Tom); Margaret Tubbs (Dave); Mary Lamb (Patrick); Kay Miles (Bruce); Mike (Kaz); and Jean Cooney (Paul). Bev and Bernie instilled honesty, integrity, and faith in their children and exemplified those values in their daily lives.
Beverly was further blessed as the matriarch of two more generations: 26 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren - soon to be 31! - and the beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews. Despite the large number of family members, Bev had the natural ability to make each and every one feel like the most special person in the world, always taking a deep and sincere interest in hearing about what they were doing in their lives – and remembering every detail.
Raising twelve children kept her in perpetual motion, yet she still found time to be a forever student and an active participant in all aspects of life. Beverly enjoyed books, the theatre, music, playing cards (particularly Bridge), bowling, swimming, watching the Cubs and Indiana Hoosiers basketball teams, meeting people, and spending time with her beloved family and many friends. She loved traveling across the country visiting her children - from Baltimore to the Napa Valley and many places in between. Beverly always lived with gratitude, continuously counting her blessings and appreciating her life. She was a faithful and active member of the Our Lady of Wayside Catholic Church and School Community since its founding in 1952, serving in many capacities including President of the Woman’s Club.
An inspiration to all, there was not a person meeting her who didn’t love and respect her. Beverly will forever be remembered for her quiet strength, steady-on pragmatism, enduring love, and endless patience (unless you spilled a glass of milk at dinner or took a called strike three with runners in scoring position).
Hers was a life incredibly well-lived and immeasurably loved.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in Beverly's memory to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation https://www.bcrf.org would be greatly appreciated.
Memorial visitation will be Friday, September 8th, 2023 from 9:30 AM until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of the Wayside Church, 440 South Mitchell Avenue, Arlington Heights, Illinois. Interment will follow at St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery in Palatine, Illinois.
Live Streaming of Beverly Kelly's services will be available by the link below.
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