Beverly Jean Gottschalk

Beverly Gottschalk Obituary

GOTTSCHALK (GIFFORD) Beverly Jean (Gifford) Gottschalk, 79, of Duck Key, FL died peacefully at home Friday, April 29, 2011, in the company of family. Bev is survived by her husband, Ed; brother, Bart; sons, Dave (Marion), Steve (Carolyn); daughter, Amy; grandchildren, Jennifer (Chris), Brian, Sarah, Ali and Emerson; great-granddaughter Ava; the Gottschalk and Halverstadt families of Chagrin Falls, OH and the Hollar family of Charlotte, NC. Preceded in death by her son John. Born in Madison NY on December 10, 1931 to Barton and Thelma Gifford, she was a very devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many. Bev loved to travel the world with her husband, Ed Gottschalk. Beverly Gifford graduated from Norwich (NY) High School in 1949 and received her bachelor's degree from Beaver College (now Arcadia University) in 1953, where she is in the Hall of Fame, and was a member of the National Championship Rifle Teams in 1950 and 1951. Bev moved to Ohio where she raised her children and became active in the Worthington and Columbus communities. A life-long journalist, Bev was an editor with the Ohio Education Association before moving to the Columbus Public Schools as the Director of School Community Relations and then as Deputy Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools in the 1970s and 1980s. In that role, she developed award-winning model programs that brought community volunteers into school classrooms and found innovative ways of making education a stronger and more vital part of the city of Columbus. In retirement, Bev founded the Florida Middle Keys chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. A memorial celebration of Bev's life will be held on Monday, May 30, 2011 12 Noon-2 p.m. at the Nature Center at Highbanks Metro Park in Lewis Center, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Metro Parks, 1069 W. Main St., Westerville, OH 43081. Please designate contributions go to Highbanks Nature Center in memory of Beverly Gottschalk.

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Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Apr. 30 to May 2, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Beverly Gottschalk

9 Entries

May 30, 2011

Ed and all,

Bev was a gift to my personal and professional life as we worked together in the Six District Educational Compact . It was Bob Bowers who told me that Bev was moving "northward" and that I should hire her to be our markting consultant. She was marvelous and talented with her work and many of the ideas we are still using.

I so enjoyed doing things with Bev on a personal level - we loved those "special" Columbus restaurants, watching her re-do the Chagrin Falls house,and spending time in Duck Key, learning from her how to plan those travel adventures, etc.

As I write this I can hear her laugh - one not to forget!

I am sorry I cannot be there today as there are so many other stories would like to share about this fabulous lady.

Please know you have been in my thoughts and prayers.

Mary Jane Stanchina
Six District Educational Compact

May 12, 2011

May 12, 2011

Steve,

Your mother was a dear friend, most professional and accomplished in her career, and a simply wonderful person. I often think of Bev when looking at my office desk because she taught me to keep only one item or project on it, the one I was working. I'm thankful for having the opportunity to work with Bev Gifford.

Mace Ishida, Panama City Beach, Florida

Mary Ann ("M.A.") McGraw

May 9, 2011

Dear Ed Gottschalk Sr. Family,
When I think of Beverly, I think of someone vibrant, active, intelligent, giving and caring. As true partners go in life, she was meant to be that to dear Ed, Sr. My husband Mark and I cannot find the right words but please know our expression of sympathy is truly felt and genuinely extended. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate the wonderful person that Bev will always be in your heart.

Jeanne Gifford

May 5, 2011

Your Mother and I had so much in common-our name, our children, our husband, etc,! I only hope I can carry on for her as a Step-Mother and Grandma and Great Grandma! My love and prayers to all of you!

Angela Pace

May 3, 2011

To Steve and family ... Steve, you know how much I respected your mom. She was so helpful to me when I was a young reporter covering education news. She was kind and gracious ... and even gave me a scoop or two! She was a beautiful person, inside and out.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Laura Ecklar

May 3, 2011

She touched so many lives, both professionally and personally. She will be missed, but never forgotten. My sincere sympathies to her family.

Denise Russell

May 2, 2011

Sincere sympathy to Bev's family. She was a respected professional and a gentle soul.

May 1, 2011

A dear friend for more than 30 years, Bev's passing leaves a never-to-be filled void in our hearts. Our deepest sympathy. Paula & Pete Spence

May 1, 2011

My admiration for Bev knows no bounds. She was my professional mentor and friend for 35 years. I offer my deepest sympathies to her family.

Katherine Anthony

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