Beverly Jane "BJ" Davis-Reardon, 70, went to her heavenly home on Sunday, September 6, 2015. Her devotion to her family, friends, and her firm belief in God provided her with strength, comfort, and peace daily.
BJ was born on May 15, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, to Robert and Shirley "Jane" Davis. She was the oldest of six children.
She graduated from Carl Schurz High School (’63) in Chicago and went on to the Chicago Lighting Institute becoming one of the first women in her field. BJ opened Taurus Engraving in 1975 and continued to operate her company of 40 years until her passing.
She was extremely creative and artistic. An active member in her church and she was known for "telling it like it is."
She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Michael Reardon. Her children; Thomas (Julie) Gehrke, Lisa Gehrke and Janet (Gregory) Schmitz. Grandsons; Tyler and Ryan Schmitz, Blake and Nick Gehrke. Her father, Robert Davis. Siblings; Nancy Davis, Robbie (Denise) Davis, Elizabeth (Hank) Teague and Jeffry (Ruth) Davis. Her dearest friend, Elizabeth Gomez and son-in-law, Michael Honig. Loving nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Shirley "Jane" Davis, sister, Janel Landon and grandson, Jordan Gehrke.
The wake will be held on Sunday, September 13th from 4p - 8p and the funeral will be held on Monday, September 14th at 9:30a at the Lutheran Church of St. Luke, 410 S. Rush, Itasca, IL.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in her name to the Lutheran Church of St. Luke.
Jon Anderson
Many thanks to you BJ for the initiative that you took to get planning started for our 50th Reunion and the tremendous amount of time , energy and leadership you provided which made our 50th Reunion so successful.
Jon Anderson
Joan Scholl
BJ was a joy to get to know during the planning stages of our 50 Year Reunion and to revisit with her during subsequent Saturday lunches. She was tireless, generous and inspirational. And so much more. Thank you BJ, for being you and bringing us all together again. You will be missed and thought of often.
John Hill
Although I didn't know BJ while at Schurz, I developed a lot of respect for her in the process of the reunion, and the great website we enjoy.
BJ was tough and resilient, and it is easy to imagine her setting a goal and then going out there and achieving it.
People like BJ are what we call leaders, which is a trait absent in most.
So thanks BJ for your tireless efforts on behalf of your classmates. We'll see you later
Richard Lindblade
I didn't know BJ in high school. I shook hands with her 2 years ago at our reunion, but I didn't get a chance to talk with her. Nonetheless, I owe her my gratitude for all the effort she put into making that gathering happen.
I enjoyed the reunion. It gave me a chance to reconnect with old friends that I hadn't seen for 40 or 50 years. The experience meant a lot to me and it enriched my life.
So, thanks BJ. Rest in peace, my friend.
Dick Lindblade
William Higgins (Higgins)
I never knew, or met, B.J., but we e-mailed each other so I could make plans to attend the reunion. Then the doctors found out I had to have bypass surgery, which negated any of the plans we had made.
I thank her for all the help that she didn't have to do. She went out of her way to help.
R.I.P. my friend. May we have our reunion some other time.
WILLIAM HIGGINS