Beverly Ann (Cessna) D'Onofrio

"To create art with all the passion in one's soul is to live art with all the beauty of one's heart."

It is with heavy, yet loving, hearts that we announce the passing of Beverly Ann D’Onofrio at age 83, on the evening of July 17, 2026. She was surrounded in her final moments by her granddaughters Kristan and Jessica, her daughters Cheryl and Victoria, her sons-in-law Bill and John, and the compassionate nurse who watched over her.

Born on December 22, 1942, in Warren, Ohio to John Robert Cessna and Ann Rosaline Barlan, Beverly earned both a Bachelor of Fine Arts and an Associate Degree in Dietetics from Youngstown State University, reflecting her lifelong passion for the arts and her belief in the nourishment and joy of food as one of life's simple but wonderful delights. Her interest in dietetics was no doubt influenced by her early upbringing in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, who believe in nourishing their bodies as temples of God through a clean, whole-food diet.

While a seamstress by trade, Beverly’s greatest talent blossomed in the creative arts she lovingly pursued. Whether it be her deeply expressive pencil portraits, or meticulously detailed scratchboard engravings, her work reflected her creativity, focus, extraordinary attention to detail, and deep respect for honoring the soul and essence of the subjects she captured. Across many mediums, her art was evocative of her appreciation for beauty, craftsmanship, history, and the delight of “that little extra something special.”

Perhaps this is why she found such joy in antiquing; her home became a collection of charm, creativity, and treasured artisanship. Though they were not priceless artifacts and only held value to her, they mirrored not only her own unique artistic eye, but also her appreciation for the beauty others had brought into the world and the stories they told.

Also an avid gardener who enjoyed growing her own food, she spent countless hours lovingly nurturing her herbs, vegetables, and flowers. Believing food was medicine for both the body and spirit, and that what was natural was often best, she doted on the tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, beans, and peas that she cultivated, as well as the aromatic basil, rosemary, lavender, roses, and peonies that filled the garden with color and fragrance. A self-described “super taster”, this love of food naturally extended into the gourmet meals she prepared in her kitchen; and while she largely held fast to the philosophy food should be wholesome and healthy, she also believed it was one of the simple joys of life we should indulge in with decadence on occasion. Dark chocolate, rich homemade fudge, gourmet cheeses, and exotic spices were always a special treat to be shared.

These passions made Beverly's life a tapestry woven from artistry, curiosity, humor, and self-expression. She was an incredibly witty, intelligent, and delightfully stubborn woman. A mother and grandmother full of sass and fierce independence. She was feisty, bold, at times irreverent, opinionated in all the best ways, and unapologetically herself. She has passed that same spirit of independence, vivacity, and passion on to her daughters, who in turn have passed it on to their own children. Together, they continue weaving Beverly's legacy — a legacy of artistic expression and a deep love for life's simple yet beautiful pleasures — into the threads that bind their family together.

She will be remembered in beautiful meals shared around the table, in the scent of fresh herbs growing in the garden, in decadent desserts enjoyed without guilt, in handcrafted treasures found while antiquing, and in every carefully created work of art. She lived with intention, humor, wit, creativity, and unabashed flair.

She is survived by her children, Victoria (John Rivera) D’Onofrio and Cheryl (William) Phipps, who carry her strength and tenderness forward.

She leaves behind a large and deeply loved circle of grandchildren: Jessica D’Onofrio Crump, Kristan Slater, Krystal (Matthew) Martin, William Michael (Kaitlin) Slater, Courtney Slater, Tyler Phillips, Autumn Bradley, Dexter and Braden Phipps; and great-grandchildren: Carter Neic; Gianna Varie; Peyton and Colton Martin; Charlotte, Marco and Penelope Wall; Emma, Alexander, and Olivia Slater.

She also leaves behind her siblings, Robert Cessna and Deborah Pinter, and dear friends Linda and Gary Rodgers — people who shared life’s everyday moments with her.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, John Robert Cessna and Ann Rosaline Barlan, along with her grandsons‑in‑law, Wayne Crump and Dean Varie, and generations of family whose stories shaped her own.

She leaves this world softly and boldly all at once — a flame that never truly goes out, but simply a torch passed on to be carried by those who love her most.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Liberty Veterinary Hospital in Beverly’s memory, in loving gratitude for the care they provided to her steadfast companions, Bitsy and Gabby.

Arrangements by Cremation & Funeral Service by Gary S. Silvat, Inc. Share memories and send condolences by visiting cremateohio.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Beverly Ann (Cessna) D'Onofrio, please visit our floral store.