Beverly A. Paluska

WASHINGTON - Beverly A. Paluska, 77, of Washington passed away at 2:55 a.m. on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

Bev was born on October 19, 1946, in Peoria to the late Ralph and Virginia Wright Gauwitz. She married the love of her life, Roy “Tom” Paluska Jr., on January 21, 1967, in Washington; they shared 56 years together until he preceded her in death on February 2, 2023.

She is survived by her children, Matthew Paluska, Gina Antoinette (Tyler) Goostree, Michelle (Scott) Olson and Scott (Tiffany) Paluska; eight grandchildren, Daniel Sawchuk, Grace Sawchuk, Ian Olson, Jamie Olson, Samuel Paluska, Benjamin Paluska, Noah Paluska and Nathan Paluska; three brothers, Ralph Gauwitz Jr., Charlie (Linda) Gauwitz and Mike Gauwitz; and several nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her grandson, Thomas Sawchuk.

Over the years, Bev worked as an administrative assistant for CILCO/Ameren and OSF St. Francis; she enjoyed the challenge of those jobs. She had many talents, including quilting, sewing, and cake making; she sewed clothing for her children and often fulfilled special cake requests for others. Her faith in Jesus colored her everyday life and she was an active member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, participating in Bible studies, choir and TEC/Cursillo. She loved collecting frogs, watching hot air balloons and fireworks and following Illini basketball. She led her childrens’ Girl Scout troops and coached them at bowling league. Most of all, she loved her grandkids.

Bev loved stars, frogs and Illini basketball, and will leave us wearing stars. Feel free to honor her by wearing apparel with these themes.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on April 4, 2024, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Washington. Father John Steffen will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on April 3, 2024, at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington, with additional visitation one hour prior to the Mass at the church. Interment will be at Glendale Cemetery in Washington.

Bev’s memorial website is available at www. deitersfuneralhome.com, where condolences may also be sent to the family.