Beverly Ann Kessler, age 83, was called home to join her beloved pets on April 15th, 2025. A resident of Downers Grove for over 55 years, she was born in Burlington, Wisconsin to loving parents, Charles and Henrietta Stardy (née Albrecht), on January 29th, 1942. She is survived by her brother, Delmar (Nancy) Stardy. Beverly and Delmar grew up together on their family farm, a time which she remembered with great fondness. She proudly attended grammar school in a one-room schoolhouse named Duckett School. She worked the majority of her professional life as a bookkeeper for Downers Grove Grade School District 58.
Beverly was kind to all, but her truest friends were animals. She was happiest with a cat purring on her lap and a dog sleeping at her feet while she watched the Cubs play. She raised her children and grandchildren to treat all of God’s creatures with tenderness and care. Her yard was her prized possession, beautifully adorned with tulips out front and plenty of birdhouses and feeders in the back. She took pride in creating a sanctuary for all living things, and one of her favorite pastimes was watching the birds and squirrels each morning over a cup of black coffee.
Beverly will be remembered by most as “Grandma Kitty,” the matriarch of a tight-knit family who celebrated every holiday and birthday together. She raised and is survived by three children; Denise Kessler, Susan (KC) Goodell, and John (Gina) Kessler. A true child at heart, she was the funniest and most generous grandmother to her four grandchildren: Mandy (Patrick), Adam (Heather), Megan, and Benjamin (Kathryn).
Beverly’s gentle and loving spirit lives on in the hearts of her loved ones and all the souls shetouched. We love you, Grandma Kitty. Rest in peace.
A celebration of Beverly’s life will be held on Thursday, April 24th at 11:30am in Lisle, Illinois at the Morton Arboretum in the Thornhill Education Center Founder’s Room. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Beverly’s memory with a donation to Humane World for Animals at humaneworld.org. Arrangements entrusted to Cappetta’s West Suburban Funeral Home, Downers Grove. Info 630-852-8000 or westsuburbanfh.com