Beverley Gelety Obituary | May 18, 2026
Death Announcement
With profound sadness and heartfelt remembrance, the family of Beverley Gelety announces her peaceful passing on May 18, 2026, at the age of 76. Beverley passed away surrounded by her loving family in Rochester, New York, after a life filled with compassion, strength, and unwavering dedication to those she loved.
Beverley Gelety was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, educator, and dear friend whose warmth and generosity touched the lives of many throughout her community. Known for her gentle spirit, thoughtful wisdom, and caring heart, Beverley leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Her passing has brought deep sorrow to family members, friends, neighbors, former students, and colleagues. Yet amid the grief, those closest to her also celebrate a beautiful life lived with grace, humility, and purpose.
Beverley had a remarkable ability to make others feel welcome and valued. Whether through a comforting conversation, a thoughtful gesture, or simple acts of kindness, she created lasting memories and meaningful relationships wherever she went.
Life & Career
Beverley Ann Gelety was born on June 9, 1949, in Syracuse, New York, to Robert and Eleanor Mitchell. Raised in a loving and close-knit family, Beverley developed a strong appreciation for education, creativity, and helping others from an early age.
As a child, she enjoyed reading, music, and spending time outdoors with her siblings and friends. Her natural compassion and curiosity about the world shaped the person she would become throughout her life.
Beverley graduated from Syracuse Central High School in 1967 before attending the State University of New York, where she earned a degree in education. She later began a teaching career that spanned more than thirty-five years and positively influenced countless students and families.
Throughout her career as an elementary school teacher, Beverley became known for her patience, encouragement, and genuine dedication to her students. She believed that every child deserved support, understanding, and the opportunity to succeed. Former students often remembered her as a teacher who inspired confidence and created a safe, welcoming classroom environment.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Beverley was deeply devoted to her family and community. She loved hosting holiday gatherings, preparing homemade meals, and creating traditions that brought loved ones together year after year.
Beverley also enjoyed gardening, painting, reading historical novels, and attending local theater performances. She appreciated life’s quiet moments and found joy in simple experiences shared with family and friends.
A devoted member of her church and community organizations, Beverley volunteered for literacy programs, food drives, and charitable outreach events. Her generosity often went unnoticed because she never sought recognition for her kindness.
In 1971, Beverley married Michael Gelety, beginning a loving partnership built on faith, friendship, and mutual respect. Together they shared fifty-five years of marriage filled with love, support, laughter, and countless cherished memories.
Friends and family remember Beverley as a calming presence who always offered encouragement and understanding. Her wisdom, grace, and compassion made her someone others naturally turned to during both joyful and difficult times.
Family Members
Beverley Gelety is survived by her devoted husband, Michael Gelety; her loving children, Laura Simmons and husband Daniel Simmons, Christopher Gelety and wife Amanda Gelety, and Rachel Bennett and husband Thomas Bennett.
She was also a proud and loving grandmother to Emma, Olivia, Nathan, Claire, Benjamin, and Sophie, all of whom brought immense happiness and meaning to her life. Beverley treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren, from reading stories and attending school events to sharing family traditions during holidays.
She is additionally survived by her sister, Margaret Ellis, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, former students, and lifelong friends who will forever cherish her memory.
Beverley was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Eleanor Mitchell.
To her family, Beverley was the heart of every gathering and the steady source of unconditional love and support that held everyone together. Her influence and guidance will continue to shape the lives of those she loved for generations to come.
Funeral Details
A celebration of life service honoring Beverley Gelety will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Community Church in Rochester, New York. Family and friends are invited to attend visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. prior to the service.
A private burial ceremony will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to local literacy programs or educational charities in Beverley’s memory, reflecting her lifelong dedication to teaching and helping children succeed.
Friends, loved ones, former students, and community members are encouraged to attend and celebrate the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Beverley Gelety.
