Beverly Jean Shaffer Gast, born June 16, 1927 in Altoona, PA went peacefully and naturally to be with the Lord on May 12, 2023. For the past 15 years she had been a resident of The Hill in Lafayette Hill, PA.

Beverly lived a beautiful and impactful life in which she directly and indirectly cared for many people. Her huge heart and willingness to connect with others was evident every day in her life. In her own words, she wanted to be remembered "as a woman who wanted to live with meaning, with love, forgiveness and blessing, grateful to God for His Son Jesus Christ." She turned problems into friendship opportunities. For example, her regular "suggestions" to the local Acme grocery store manager evolved into a lifetime friendship (and that manager later become the Mayor of Ambler.) At First Presbyterian Church in Germantown, she formed the Seekers and Sharers group who met to share and grow in their spiritual and personal lives creating lifelong bonds.

After high school, she attended Wheaton College and entered the teaching field. As her children grew older and were preparing to head to college and work, she returned to her roots as an educator and completed her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education at Arcadia (Beaver) University. She then launched a new pre-school, refurbishing a former elementary school into The Schoolhouse in Flourtown, which continues in operation today.

To honor and preserve the legacy of the remarkable, but far too short life of her sister Elaine Shaffer Kurtz, in her late 70's she enrolled in writing classes and embarked on researching and writing a book. At the age of 83, she published a chronology of Elaine's international life as the first woman solo concert flautist, giving multiple lectures on the book. In an effort to share her love of the outdoors, she formed Trail Buds for which she organized regular hikes at various scenic area paths and trails, keeping her followers up to date on where they had been and the next destination in a monthly newsletter.

Beverly had the characteristic foresight to move to The Hill which, at the time she applied, was only a patch of dirt and a couple of sales trailers, but was later to provide her with exceptional care from independent living, to assisted care and finally the skilled nursing unit. Upon her arrival at The Hill, she naturally became thoroughly enmeshed in many areas. She thought that there should be more spiritual activities and enlisting the assistance of the facility administrators, she initiated a non-denominational Mindfulness Meditation group which literally changed the emotional and spiritual lives of its members. Her contributions to life and community included many years as an active member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, where she was a member of the vestry, a Sunday School teacher and adult education leader.

Her support of others went deep, from the nurturing of the Young Life leaders in the new urban club in Germantown, to the young children from the Germantown neighborhood whom she tutored and often stayed in touch with until they graduated high school and beyond. She made special connections with a wrongly imprisoned mother and her family until she was released. Those fortunate folks who rented her basement apartment received more than just a place to stay.

Beverly was preceded in death by her father Rex and mother Catherine, her sister Elaine and brother the Rev. Robert Shaffer. She is survived by her sister Patricia and former husband Dr. Aaron E. Gast. She continues to be loved and held in the hearts of her children Gregory (Nancy), Lisa (Fred), and Brian (Tricia), seven grandchildren Traci (Travis), Ashley (Matt), Travis (Shannon), Andrew (Alessandra), Alexandra, Emily, William, and eight great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Chestnut Hill on Monday, June 19, 2023 at 2:00 PM with a reception immediately following in the church parish hall. Her ashes will be laid to rest at George Washington Memorial Park in a private family service.
In lieu of flowers, the Beverly Shaffer Gast Memorial Fund has been established to continue her life's work of educating young people, contributing to Christian faith-based ministries, supporting imprisoned mothers and their families, and promoting outdoor activities. Contributions can be made through the Fund website. Please click on the following link: www.beverlyshaffergastfund.org