Elizabeth “Beth” Ann (McAllister) McCashland

GLASTONBURY, Conn. – Elizabeth “Beth” Ann (McAllister) McCashland, 81 of Glastonbury, Conn., passed away on Monday, Dec. 13, 2021. She was born to the late Gerald and Muriel (Marston) McAllister on Nov. 7, 1940 and grew up on Judson Street in Mechanic Falls.

Beth attended Central Maine General School of Nursing in Lewiston, class of 1962, and was a registered nurse working at Central Maine General Hospital in Lewiston, New Britain General Hospital and St. Francis Hospital, both in Connecticut, over the course of her 38-year career.

She met John Arthur McCashland on a blind date while in nursing school after swearing off men. They married on leap day, Feb. 29, 1964 – she let him pick the date. She became a mother in December 1965 to Catherine May and again in October 1976 to Judith Ann, Johanna Beth, Jean Catherine and Gerald Glenn. She raised her family with John until his abrupt passing at the young age of 47, then continued to raise them on her own, switching to working nights so she could be home during the day for them and never letting on how indescribably difficult it must have been without Dad, while having the patience of a saint with all of us.

She was active in her community over the years, teaching Sunday School at South Congregational Church in East Hartford, Conn., a member of the Welcome Rebekah Lodge #47 for over 30 years and, of late, attending bingo at the Glastonbury Community Center – which she always looked forward to, even if she did not win. She was also an active member of Twin Mothers of Connecticut, which later became Mothers of Multiples for obvious reasons, serving on the national board and attending their yearly national conferences. She turned these conferences into family vacations – except for the time in New Orleans, when she left us behind with relatives. Beth was an avid fan of the UConn Women’s basketball team, and loved bowling, playing bingo, and animals.

She loved her family so very much and enjoyed every minute with them, especially her grandchildren.

She is predeceased by her parents; brother, Charles McAllister and sister, Ovis Pooler-Billington; husband, John; and son, Gerald Glenn.

Mourning her passing are daughters Cathy Gerke and her husband Christopher of Amston, Conn., Judith Gass and her husband Travis of Brewer, Johanna McCashland of Glastonbury, Conn. with whom she made her home, and Jean Mumley and her husband Scott of South Windsor; along with grandson, John Gerke, and granddaughters Ashley and Mary Catherine Mumley. She also leaves several nieces, nephews; and dear friends.

She has had so many health setbacks over the past 15 years, but kept smiling that beautiful smile of hers through it all. Her strength of will shall continue to inspire us all. Her family wishes to thank all that cared for her over the years. As we mourn, we take solace in knowing she is enjoying some full belly clams in batter, a good bowling alley and loved ones who departed before her. Love you, Mom!

Visitation will be held at the D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter St., East Hartford on Friday, Dec.17 from 3 to 6 p.m. Funeral service celebrating Beth’s life will take place on Saturday morning, Dec. 18 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home chapel with Rev. Fredd Ward officiating. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Memorial Park, (Section 23D), Elm Street, Rocky Hill.

For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit http://www.desopoeh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Beth’s memory to the

South Congregational Church Memorial Fund,

1301 Forbes St.,

East Hartford, CT 06118,

the American Heart Association,

5 Brookside Dr.,

Wallingford, CT 06492, or the

Connecticut Humane Society,

701 Russell Rd.,

Newington, CT 06111.