Beverly J. McKeon Gilarde, 86, of West Scranton, passed away peacefully on Friday, Sept. 6 at Allied Hospice. Born and raised in West Scranton, she was the daughter of the late Marie McKeon Schimelfenig and Fred Schimelfenig. Along with her parents, Beverly was preceded in death by her late husband, William Gilarde, with whom she will now be reunited; and her brother, Fred "Butch" Schimelfenig. She is survived by her three daughters, Michele Shishlo and her husband, Ted; Denise Besket and her husband, Jim; Kim Lopez and her husband, Carlos; grandchildren, Nicole Norella and her husband, Fran; Brianna Quinn and her husband, Mike; Brian Shishlo; Mateo and Giovanni Lopez; great-grandchildren, Everly, Eleanora and Eloise Norella; nieces and nephews. Beverly enjoyed going to the casinos in Atlantic City, and for 30 years she played pinochle every Saturday night with her girlfriends. Most of all she loved spending time with her family, especially playing rummy with her family and grandchildren. Beverly enjoyed working at the donut shop near her home for over 25 years. She knew all the regular customers and would always have their orders ready for them as they walked in the door. She served as president of the West Scranton Neighborhood Association for over 30 years. She was very active in politics, supporting many local politicians. She was a PTA president for Lowell School, Francis Willard, West Scranton Intermediate and West Scranton High School. Beverly was very active in school board meetings and fighting for what was best for the children who attended the Scranton schools. She was honored as a lifetime member of the PTA and was a Girl Scout leader for several troops. Beverly was an incredible dancer who taught ballroom dancing at the Arthur Murray Dance School. During her time there she taught tap and ballet to young students and showcased them on the old TV show, "Romper Room." She was also a talented seamstress since the age of 17, who made countless dresses, various clothing apparel and made costumes for the Standing Room Only Theatre Group. We would like to thank the PCU floor at GCMC and Allied Hospice for their excellent care of our mother. A viewing will be held Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Thomas J. Hughes Funeral Home Inc., 1240 St Ann's St. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Ann's Basilica, Scranton, on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 11:30 a.m. followed by interment at Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.

Visitation

Funeral Services

 

Guestbook

 

Sign Guestbook Add your condolences by signing the guestbook.