Beatrice W. Gilpin

April 16, 1925 - June 20, 2018

Beatrice W. Gilpin (1925 - 2018) Beatrice W. Gilpin, formerly of Bryn Mawr, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2018 after a long illness. She was 93. The daughter of George H. and Beatrice Willig, Bea and her beloved sister Helen grew up in Philadelphia. They enjoyed a happy childhood despite the trials of the Depression years. Bea graduated from Frankford High School in 1943 and then attended Bucknell University. Following college, Bea worked in Philadelphia as the Executive Assistant to the Chairman of Edgcomb Steel Corporation and then as Executive Assistant to the Chairman of the Curtis Publishing Company, an international leader in the magazine industry. While working at Curtis Bea met her future husband, D. Brooke Gilpin. Bea and Brooke lived in West Chester, PA for many years and raised two daughters, Diane (Muscarella) and Caroline (Lawlor). Bea also pursued a degree in art history at West Chester University, graduating in 1977 at the top of her class. Her lifelong interest in colonial history and the decorative arts provided her with many opportunities for both paid and volunteer work. She was a trustee of the Chester County Historical Society, a docent at the Winterthur Museum, and a Park House Guide for the Philadelphia Museum of Art and for twenty years, Bea worked in her own business as an independent tour guide for Historical Philadelphia and its environs. In her later years, she enjoyed her work with the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia, retiring at age 88. Bea’s other lifelong passions were tennis and bridge, playing both regularly until age 90. Mrs. Gilpin is survived by her two daughters, their spouses and four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, and former husband. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 15 at 11:00 am at Beaumont Retirement Community in Bryn Mawr. Donations in memory of Beatrice W Gilpin can be made to The Bryn Mawr Hospital Foundation designating hospice care and/or the women’s board. 130 S Bryn Mawr Avenue, Bryn Mawr, Pa 19010