Beverly S. McIlwain

Beverly “Bev” S. McIlwain, 83, beloved mother and grandmother passed away Thursday December 5, 2024. A long time Pittsburgh resident and supporter of Christian ministries she will be dearly missed by her daughters, Karen Jane McIlwain, Robin (McIlwain) Whitmer, Kimberly (McIlwain) Barry and her granddaughter, Alexandria McIlwain. 

Bev had a warm and welcoming nature.  She always had a positive word for a family member, friend, co-worker, acquaintance or the by passer on the street.  Her words and warm nature always left an endearing impression on all who knew and met her. 

Beverly was the daughter of the late Rudolph E. and Hazel Bradley Slosson.  She was raised in her family’s homestead on lands owned by her family for generations in West Chazy, New York.  She graduated from Houghton College with Bachelors of Music degree with a major in voice.  She played the clarinet, violin, organ and piano. She loved her career as a music teacher at Plattsburgh Airforce Base.  She also taught in the Pittsburgh Public Schools and then later private piano lessons in her home.  She also cheerfully served as support staff in numerous Christian ministries including Emory United Presbyterian Church, Mulberry Presbyterian Church, Wilkinsburg Community Ministries, Coalition for Christian Outreach and Meals on Wheels.  

Notably during her life, Beverly enjoyed volunteering in her church’s Sunday School and Music Ministry/Children’s Choir and her children’s school’s Parent Teacher Association. Throughout her life she loved family trips to Phipps Conservatory, concerts at Heinz Hall, attending First Night, Pittsburgh’s New Year’s celebration, and Friday night family dinners especially at the Grand Concourse.  Her love of Christian Ministry, music, the arts and dining out has forever shaped the lives of her children and granddaughter who will cherish each sweet, special, funny and loving memory she has left behind. 

Friends will be received at John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. (freyvogelfuneralhome.com) 4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street on Saturday January 11 from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m. Funeral Service will be private. Until then she would want everyone to enjoy the holiday festivities and celebrate her passing from this world into an eternal one to be with Jesus.

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