Gail Lee Beere

Gail Beere, 84, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2023 in Heber City, Utah in the company of her loving husband of more than 40 years, Marshall Beere, and other members of her family.

Gail was born in Guelph, Ontario in 1939 to Ora & Robert Schultz and grew up in Bradford, PA, where she and Marshall were both raised. In addition to Marshall, Gail is survived by the four children they shared together, Todd Schlopy, Karl “Fritz” Schlopy, Mark Beere and Susanne Beere, as well as eight grandchildren, Beth Anne, Alex, Tyler, Mason, Dillon and Sawyer Schlopy, Jake and Will Beere. Gail is also survived by her sister Karen Nolan and her great grandson Vance.

The daughter of prominent Bradford veterinarian Dr. Robert Schultz and his wife, Ora, Gail graduated from Bradford High School and then attended Penn State University. At Penn State she was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and was voted Miss Penn State. Upon graduation she continued her education at the University of Buffalo, earning a Master’s Degree in education.

In Buffalo, Gail taught elementary school and worked as a ski instructor on winter weekends. She soon turned to politics and became the Executive Assistant/Chief of Staff in the office of the Erie County Executive. In that capacity she served twelve years, including two terms with Ned Regan. Gail later helped Ned run a successful campaign for New York State Comptroller, a huge upset for an “upstate” candidate at the time. Gail also chaired fund-raising events for the United States Ski team while in Buffalo – and her volunteer work would continue for many years.

Leaving Western New York, Gail took a position with New York Telephone in Public Relations and relocated to the New York City area. When the “Baby Bells” broke up, Gail moved on to AT&T and was responsible for executing that company’s sponsorship of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics – specifically the coast to coast Olympic Torch Relay. She was also a key figure with the AT&T Celebrity Ski Classic in Park City, UT and US Ski Team fundraising events in Manhattan.

While working in NYC, Gail and Marshall made their home in Greenwich, CT. Marshall, was a top executive with JC Penney at the time and when Penney decided to relocate to Texas in 1992, Gail left AT&T and they moved to Dallas.

In Dallas, Gail put her dynamic personality and corporate experience to work, dedicating her time and expertise to numerous charities. She helped raise millions of dollars as chairman of the Alzheimer’s Association of Dallas and was also a board member of the St. Joseph’s Hospital. Gail also continued her lifelong connection to the Junior League, a commitment which began in Buffalo many years earlier.

Gail volunteered at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, NY and again at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, UT. If there was a worthy cause, Gail was going to be there as a tireless and valuable asset.

In 1999, Gail and Marshall left Dallas to build a house and retire in Park City, UT, - a place they had fallen in love with during many years of visiting for fundraisers and ski trips. At their home on the Park Meadows golf course Gail enjoyed gardening, cooking, knitting and, most of all, family and friends. A fine golfer, she and Marshall traveled the world together to have golfing adventures and visit relatives. The couple continued to support their alma mater, Penn State. They attended many football games and reunions there over the years. And, of course, in the heart of the Wasatch mountains, Gail continued to be an avid skier.

Gail’s dedication to making everything beautiful and memorable will be especially missed at Christmas – the holiday which she cherished the most. The decorations will go up, the food will be prepared, the tree trimmed and the presents given…but the holidays will never be the same without her.

Gail Beere was strong, beautiful, talented and generous. She was filled with love and will forever be missed by the countless friends and family who loved her. Rest in peace.