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Bev was full of life. She lit up a room and made sure to go around it several times to ensure everyone felt included. She was the original women’s movement and enjoyed working in a time when that wasn’t common. Her hair was just right. Her nails just so. She dressed impeccably and was the classiest, funniest, loveliest lady. She worked every day of her life on behalf of her community. She loved Berwyn and will forever be “The First Lady”.
She was a devout Catholic and dedicated herself to the Lord. She was a cheerleader, a golfer, a martini drinker, a red lipstick wearer, and the kind of person who seemed like she could live forever. Even though she lived to 94, there was much life left in her. Her spirit was infectious and powerful. She was sparkly and wonderful.
Bev would travel hours to her son, Tommy’s, sporting events when he was at Campion High School. She would make the trip even for practices. Similarly, she was equally as proud of her daughter Patte, who was a famous voice actress and actor in Chicago. She would take different groups of friends to see her plays every single night. She was proud of her entire family and would share pictures, accomplishments, stories, and sometimes might have embellished those stories, but no one corrected her.
If you liked something, she bought you ten in different colors. If you were celebrating something, hosting a party, having an event-she was there. She showed up to everything for everyone. Her great grandchildren and grandchildren know how blessed and lucky they are really know her and live a life with her, as many do not get that gift. She was surrounded by loved ones throughout her passing and went peacefully to be with her husband, Tom Shaughnessy and the Lord. In our hearts and minds, she is timeless and forever alive. A true sparkle and delight to all who were lucky enough to be in her orbit.
God speed beautiful lady…
Beverly Ann Shaughnessy, 94 years old of Berwyn, IL, passed away Saturday, May 14, 2022 at Advocate Condell Medical Center. Libertyville, IL. She was born May 29, 1927 in Chicago, IL, the daughter of the late John and Mildred (nèe Bruscek) Thomas. On June 21, 1947. Beverly married her high school sweetheart Thomas G. Shaughnessy. She served as President of the Catholic War Veterans Women’s Auxiliary and she was a recipient of the 2017 Robert W. Teeter Award. Beverly, or Grandma Bev as she was known by many, began her court clerk career in Berwyn’s traffic court, then moved on to the Oak Park circuit court system and then eventually to Maybrook Court, where she served as supervisor of the felony court clerks. In total, Beverly’s service to community spanned more than 40 years.
Beverly is survived by her two children, Thomas (Kathy) and Patricia (Mark) Kennedy; her 7 grandchildren, Bryan Shaughnessy, Kelly (Jason) Sheehan, Courtney (Jon) Kotloski, Daniel (Jennifer) Shaughnessy, Ashley Kennedy, Leigha (Seth) Marsh, Jack Kennedy; her 7 great-grandchildren, Jack, Patrick, James, Kate, Matthew, Mae, Sean; her sister-in-law, Marilyn Thomas; her 3 nieces, Laura Saylor, Kimberly (Brian) Saka, Kerri (Sal) Cardamone; and many friends. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Lorraine (Daryl) Zillie and her brother, Jack Thomas.
Funeral Services will be held at 9:00 a.m. Friday, May 20, 2022 from Russo’s Hillside Chapel, 4500 Roosevelt Rd., Hillside, IL 60162 to St. Leonard Catholic Church, 3318 Clarence Ave., Berwyn, IL 60402. Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 a.m. Entombment will immediately follow in Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening at Russo’s Hillside Chapel. For additional information call 847-395-4000. Please sign the online guestbook for Beverly at www.strangfh.com.
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