Beatrice Mary Gasman's Obituary
Born in Medicine Hat Alberta, Ontario Canada to Ernest J and Eliza (DeJardin) Maisonneuve. The family moved to Escanaba, Michigan and she spoke French and English. It was there at a dance she met her forever dance partner and Husband, Arnold Gasman. They married Christmas Day 1940 and celebrated 54 years until his passing in 1994 and the marriage continued forever in her heart
At 102 years young, she survived her parents, her brother, Robert, her sisters, Louise and Lucille, her husband and their daughters, Barbara Hayes, and Shirley Ecclestone, along with numerous family members and friends. She is survived by her loving sons, John Gasman (Rose) and Robert Gasman, grandchildren, Dawn, Phil, Carrie, Nicole, Beau, Catrina, Mellie, Michelle and her newest one Beatrice “little B” and numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, along with her former daughter in laws, and her best friends, JoAnne Volk (Ben) and Loretta Garrett. Once you were a friend the phrase former, step or, X never changed her heart for you and her home was always opened to all. Christmas was her favorite time of year and her home was always filled with people every Christmas Eve and was known as the party of the year.
Beatrice was a licensed hair dresser in her early years. During her husband’s Army service, they moved and were stationed throughout the country and settled in Tillicum, WA. She began her career in Civil Service at Ft. Lewis as the Office Manager for non-appropriated funds where she flourished in accounting and retired after 23 years.
Beatrice Gasman and her husband traveled and resided all over the world while being in the US Army to include; Vienna and Hawaii, all while raising 4 children. They continued their adventures after retirement, but their favorite moments were weekends after square dancing to Cowlitz Timber Trails for camping, swimming, games and just enjoying the river.
They were incredibly active in Swinging Squares and danced for years in various clubs and made forever friends. She never wavered in love to travel and taking cruises, trips or, long weekends with her daughters, family and friends that brought her the most joy. Of course, anywhere that was warm was her favorite and she was a lover of the sun and water. Her greatest story was sharing the fun of Zip Lining in Costa Rica at 93 with her daughter, Barbara. Amazing.
While this incredible lady was a devoted wife, raised her family, helped with their families, worked, traveled, she always found time to give back. She was a constant volunteer for the USO McChord where she cooked her treats, food and provided a feeling of home for our military coming and going on flights. She was active in the ACO military widows club and many organizations. A devoted Catholic who donated and served the churches she attended. She stayed active, feisty, and strong as long as she could. She was ready and wanted to see everyone waiting for her in Heaven. She passed peacefully with her granddaughter and friend, Dawn by her side and went on to a new adventure.
Thank you to all the amazing people who loved “Ms. Bea” at Tacoma Nursing and Rehabilitation and Franciscan Hospice for their support and care and to all of you for your care, prayers, and love.
Donations: Please give to others & to each other, as she always did. Travel, have fun, go on adventures, say w
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