Beverly Gilligan Mattison Bradford

Bradford, Beverly Gilligan Mattison
Oct. 23, 1939 - Apr. 22, 2011.

Beverly Ann Gilligan came into this world in Indianapolis, Ind., on Oct. 23, 1939, with wide eyes and an adventurous spirit. Her family traveled around a few states before settling in Phoenix when she was 10. While Bev moved her household from time to time (living in Yuma, California and Kabul, Afghanistan) she always returned to Phoenix, her home.

Her loyal husband of 12 years, Bill Bradford, went on ahead in 2006 to await her in the afterlife. Bev lovingly tended to him full-time for six years before he passed after struggling with a long illness. Before that, she was married to William F. Mattison from 1957 to 1986, which produced three children.

The Mattison family lived in Afghanistan for two years on a USAID agricultural assignment, where Bev worked briefly as a school secretary for the American International School of Kabul. She gathered many interesting tales of the family's experiences overseas that she loved sharing with others.

Bev was appreciated for her light-hearted and sometimes dry sense of humor, which she held onto right up until the end. During one of her final days, while she was presumably sleeping, two daughters sat by her bedside discussing dating. When one asked the other what type of man she was looking for, Bev piped in without opening her eyes: "A live one!"

Bev enjoyed many things before her lingering illness set in. She loved to entertain, both at home hosting barbecues and on the town at karaoke nights -- she sang it well, but sang it louder in her foxy white cowgirl hat. She also played a mean game of Scrabble ("zax" was a favorite word to use), won many bowling trophies for scores of 230 and higher, and was a popular partner for various card games, especially canasta. She'd been known to dance the night away with her sister, daughters, nieces and friends, whether it was country or rock and roll.

Between marriages, she capitalized on her homemaking experiences to create White Glove Housecleaning, adding sparkle to many homes in the Phoenix, Mesa and Sun City areas for several years.

On Apr. 22, 2011, Bev joined her parents, Bud and Lola Gilligan, sister, Mary Gilligan Bishop Clark Wood, and brother, Joe Gilligan, on the other side.

She leaves behind three children whom she loved very much: Sallie Mattison, Bill Mattison and Rob Mattison; two former daughters-in-law: Josie Mattison and Marie Cohen; and two stepchildren whom she also loved (and tolerated more, probably because she didn't have to raise them): Peggie Bradford (Tom) Tarwater and Duane (Jennifer) Bradford. She was very proud of her 12 grandchildren (Tiffany, Crystal, Ariel, Emily, Jake, Enrique, Paula, Andrew, Alyse, Ashton, Bradford and James) and took great delight in her seven great-grandchildren (Thane, Skyler, Landon, Griffin, Copley, Allison Jane and Archer). Her pet Chihuahuas, Nacho and Mitzi, will miss her greatly.

A memorial service will be held Friday, Apr. 29, at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 8702 W. Campbell Ave. (85057) in Phoenix. Call 623-873-3296 for more information.