Beverly J. Anstey

Beverly J. Anstey

March 11, 1937 – November 21, 2022

Beverly Joanne was the firstborn of Carl and Maxine Shewman on March 11, 1937. She was a home birth on a farm near Villisca, Iowa, and grew up experiencing the Depression, WWII, discrimination, and more. She attended Iowa schools in Macksburg, Greenfield, and Fontanelle, graduating from Massena High.

Her marriage to Leo Anstey in 1957 at St. Bridget’s Church in Omaha was blessed with two daughters, Peggy Anstey North and Deborah Knott (James -deceased). Bev’s family journey continued with two granddaughters, Christina Shimerdla (Paul) and Cassandra North; and three great-grandchildren: Carter Finch, Keegan North (deceased), and Logan Shimerdla. In addition, six more grandchildren: Philip Vacanti, Anthony DiMari and Kathy, James, Lisa, and Jamie Knott. Bev’s two younger sisters, Patricia Salzman (Robert) and Kathy Bustos (Michael) added to family traditions and celebrations along with the families of Leo’s three sisters and five brothers. Bev also had close relationships with her nephews and nieces.

Bev began working after high school at Mutual of Omaha, and Leo at Western Electric. A few years after the girls’ births, they moved from Omaha to Ralston and continued to live there throughout the school years. Bev provided home childcare in the early years and returned to work outside the home at Pamida, K-Mart, and Arby’s. She loved her special employee deals! The loss of her husband in her late forties gave her new challenges: learning to drive again, selling a home, moving, and handling all household and financial activities. Her independence, giving ways, and stubborn, stoic manner were frustrating but naturally inherited! She was born to Greatest Generation Era parents and had challenges many will never know. All experiences with Bev as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt, in-law, and friend are now special memories and lessons to pass on in our stories. Thank you, Bev.  We are so happy for your peace and celebration with loved ones in heaven! And we will be watching and listening for your special contacts during our life’s journeys.

FAMILY RECEIVES FRIENDS: Friday, December 2nd from 12noon to 1pm at the West Center Chapel, followed by MEMORIAL SERVICE at 1pm.  Interment, Calvary Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Stephen Center, or Open Door Mission.