Beverly Jean Hull, of Bradford, passed away on November 30, 2023.
Born on January 31, 1945, Bev was a vivacious bundle of energy from day one. She was born in Moline, IL to Stella and Arthur Van Lancker. She was a 1963 graduate of Alleman High School, and attended Black Hawk College.
She married Dr. Gerald Hull on April 16, 1966, and she was the joy of his life until he preceded her in death in November 2017.
The second of five children, she knew her roles in the family were ringleader, personality-plus, and a straight-talking diva. Bev’s creativity, joy, love, generosity and fervor knew no bounds. She never passed on an opportunity to giggle, shop, dress to the nines, or enjoy the small things in life. Always a classy lady, she insisted on care of others first and was always first to roll up her sleeves and pitch in on a project of any size or nature. She was also the last to leave a party or project because she was the one who made the party. She was a giver, server, hostess, and the epitome of consideration. She personified the energy, color and beauty that create joy and happiness to every environment. In all of her family’s life events, she ran circles around those she loved, in stilettos, making sure everyone felt loved, cherished, and special.
Bev and Jerry were epic in their travels, collections, friendships, and companionship. They bore witness to generosity in service and love of others. Her legendary love of laughter, card-sending and gift-giving was unequalled. If you met Bev once and had a spirited interaction, you instantly became a friend for life and your mailbox was in for surprises. When a return address was from Congress Street, you weren’t sure if you’d be opening something with sparkles, eyelashes, lipstick, colorings, or all of the above. Bev loved celebrations of all size or occasion and always lit up the room with both her glamorous outfits and her radiant personality.
Bev worked tirelessly at Zippo for 54 years, retiring in January 2021. She was famous for her “rush jobs” which were often imitated but never duplicated. Her customers adored her for her creativity, her dogged determination to deliver more than expected while always “having more fun” in the process.
Bev was an active member of St. Bernards Catholic Church and believed strongly in her savior, Jesus Christ.
She is survived by her four siblings and spouses, Barbara Michalek, MaryBeth (Patrick) Murphy, Julie Dailey, Steven (Chris) Van Lancker, twelve nieces and nephews and their children, too many friends to count, and special friends who were family to her here in Bradford, Violet and Ron Snyder and Jerry and Chery Dart.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jerry, two brothers-in-law’s, David Dailey, and Jack (Babs) Hull Sr., two sister-in-law's. Arlene Zidar, and Phyllis Hubbell, one nephew Jack Hull Jr., and one grandnephew, Ryan Parisot.
Family will receive friends on Sunday December 3, 2023, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. 33 South Avenue. Friends are also invited to attend a Con Celebrated Mass of Christian Burial on Monday at 10:00 am at St. Francis of Assisi Church with Fr. Jim Gutting, and Rev. John Jacquel. Burial will be in Willow Dale Cemetery.
Memorial contributions if desired may be made to St. Bernard Church, or the Building Fund.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com