Beverly Jean Septon Gilman, 91

Beverly Jean Septon Gilman, 91, beloved mother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully in the compassionate care of Stillwater Hospice. She leaves behind a legacy of good humor, generosity, conscientiousness, and deep devotion to the people she loved.

Born and raised in Williston, North Dakota, Beverly was the daughter of Oscar and Elvine Septon, both children of Norwegian immigrants. Young Beverly got to know aunts, uncles and cousins while spending time at her grandparents’ farm in Tacoma, Washington, which reminded her grandmother of the plush landscape of Norway. 

As the middle of three daughters, Beverly grew up in a home filled with activity and affection. Beverly and the other Septon sisters, Betty and Carol, remained close for more than 90 years, sustaining their bond across decades and many miles.

Beverly grew to be quite tall but was not interested in basketball and other sports (as evidenced by a red F in freshman PE). Instead, she focused on academics and music and wrote for the Coyote Howl high school newspaper. 

A gifted student, Beverly was valedictorian of Williston High School Class of 1953. She began her college years at St. Olaf College in Minnesota, singing in the freshman women’s choir. She then transferred to the University of North Dakota, where she became a proud Delta Gamma and earned her English degree cum laude in 1957.

Beverly crossed paths with the future love of her life, Tom Gilman, the young teacher at her high school American Problems class (today known as civics), as a senior at Williston High. He must have made an impression because her high school scrapbooks include photos from the Coyote Howl with circles drawn around Mr. Gilman, the teacher and coach. 

Beverly and Tom’s paths crossed again five years later when she spotted him sitting in a lawn chair outside his fraternity house at the University of North Dakota. She walked up, smiled, and said, “Hi, Mr. Gilman,” a moment that sparked the beginning of their lifelong partnership. Their first date was spent talking together in a downtown bar, and by 1958 they were married.

After graduating from UND, Beverly and Tom returned to Williston to prepare for their wedding as Tom was teaching and coaching in Harvey, North Dakota. North Dakota state rules did not allow married couples to teach in the same district, so they moved to Hardin, Montana, so Beverly Gilman could teach eighth grade, sharing her enthusiasm for Montana history, Lewis and Clark, and the story of Butte. She also worked at the University of North Dakota as an administrative assistant for an experimental program designed to teach typing to third and fourth graders — a role she remembered fondly.

After several coaching and teaching positions in eastern Montana and Canada, Beverly and Tom bought Pineglen, a cherry orchard and resort on Flathead Lake in Northwest Montana, in 1964. After spending a year at Pineglen with their two very little girls, Tom accepted a teaching and coaching position in Kalispell, where the family lived during the school year. 

Beverly, Tom, and their girls spent 12 summers at Pineglen, and a son joined the family in the summer of 1972. Beverly fondly remembered those summers at the lake, full of beauty, family, friends, and lots of hard work cleaning cabins, doing laundry for family and renters, and cooking for guests.

In addition to being a coach’s wife with all that entailed, and raising three children, Beverly taught at Flathead Valley Community College and tutored at Kalispell Junior High. She also worked a few fun jobs, including 20 years as tour guide and director at the Conrad Mansion, which was her favorite, with Glacier Gallery a close second. Beverly also volunteered with the March of Dimes, Heart Association, and Kalispell Regional Hospital, to name a few.

Beverly was clever, humorous, capable, and compassionate. As a lifelong Lutheran, she stayed true to the mission of the church and gave generously of her blessings to those less fortunate. She immersed herself in her interests: reading, antiquing, playing Bridge, attending luncheons with her many friends, and cultivating a small but meaningful collection of pottery and paintings by local artists. She was an exceptional cook, known especially for her Norwegian baked goods, her famous "Bev’s buns," and her ability to craft fine cuisine on a careful budget.

The Gilman cupboards were filled with jam, applesauce, canned cherries/pears/plums that Beverly made with fruit from the Pineglen orchard. She learned sewing, needlepoint, knitting, and embroidery from her talented mother and created beautiful pieces. Music filled her home with the radio playing most of the day, and after she and Tom bought a stereo, her beloved Neil Diamond album played ceaselessly, pausing only for Christmas music and Tom’s Eddy Arnold. 

Beverly also traveled back to North Dakota to see Elvine, Oscar, sister Betty and family often, visited sister Carol and husband in California many times, and had fun going to Europe and places in the United States with her buddies.

Above all, Beverly was devoted to her family. She cherished her children and grandchildren, and remained a steady, loving presence throughout their lives, rarely missing her kids’ concerts, games and performances. 

Her kindness, humor, and steadfast nature will always be remembered. 

Beverly is survived by children, Greta Gilman, Beth Gilman, Mark Gilman (Tiffany); grandchildren, Bryn Hines, Tadan Gilman (Olivia), Brec Rademacher, Jack Hines, Aubrie Rademacher, Cameron Gilman, and Erik Hines, great granddaughter Ava Gilman; and many much-loved in-laws, nieces and nephews.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Stillwater Hospice for their loving care during Beverly’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kalispell’s CASA for Kids, the Veterans Pantry, or Big Brothers Big Sisters — organizations that reflect Beverly’s lifelong spirit of generosity. 

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.