On January 16, 2019, Gladys Rose Beasley, "Meme," passed peacefully, surrounded by her loving family. She was 93
Born to Francois Xavier Leopold and Ida (nee Avjer) Mongeon, she would spend her youth in the East Hampton, Massachusetts area and worked in manufacturing through the war years. Gladys would be called to leave the only home she knew to travel halfway around the world, settling in Hawaii where she would help to raise her brothers' children. She also worked as a waitress at a local restaurant, where, providence would take her life in yet another direction. It was 69 years ago that she would serve lunch to a young Sailor who would be swept away by her.
It would take "Tom" several visits to gain the confidence to ask Gladys to a date, however fate won out. In just a few months they were engaged to be married and in a few more, newlyweds. "I asked her out in May and we were married in August," Tom reflected. "She got a six month honeymoon in Waikiki," he said with a smile; "sixty eight years and 5 months we were together....."
From 1950 forward, Gladys would take on the role of Navy wife and homemaker. In the fullness of time, she would take on the additional role of mother, raising two dear children. Gladys who was an accomplished seamstress, would make clothing for her children from whole cloth, even making prom dresses. It was said that she would tailor the kids clothing to fit, keeping them in step with the style of the time. She also kept a garden from which she took great pleasure. Gladys kept a home for her husband no matter where duty called them, and saw her children through to become the fine adults they are today. An often under appreciated dedication to the profession in our modern age, she embraced the sacred responsibility of a home maker and flourished.
Finally, Gladys was described as a dedicated wife and mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Surviving her is her dear husband MCPO, Charles Thomas "Tom" Beasley, USN, Ret. She is also survived by her loving daughter Diane P. Clark and husband Steven and her beloved son Thomas Leo and his wife "Mick" (nee Michieli) Beasley.
Her legacy continues in her cherished grandchildren, Kimberly Murphy, Michelle and Lindsey Beasley, Samuel Clark and spouse Ashley and Casey Steven Clark. Gladys is enshrined in the memories of her great-grand children, Kelly Murphy, Johnny Murphy,Jr., Anthony DiMarco, Julianna, Jaxston and Jamison Brown and Declan Coen Clark. Her dear pet Chihuahua "April" continues in her absence as well.
Gladys will be sorely missed.........
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Gladys Rose "Meme" (Mongeon) Beasley, please visit our floral store.