Bean Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc. - Sinking Springs

03/06/2026

Did you know that Bean Funeral Homes has a cafe at our Shillington location? We recognize that funerals and visitations can sometimes be tiring or overwhelming and what you really need is a cup of coffee and a few minutes to sit down and relax. That’s why we put in our cafe. It’s an informal and welcoming space where you can share memories, have a beverage, and take a little break.

03/05/2026

Elaine R. Egan

Elaine R. Egan, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on March 3, 2026, at Mifflin Court. Born on January 12, 1942, in Reading, PA, Elaine spent her life cultivating deep connections with her family and friends, offering unwavering support and love.

Elaine was deeply devoted to her family. As a mother, she raised her children, Jeffrey L. Egan and Karen S. Rankin, with great care and compassion. Her son Jeffrey, along with his wife Donna L Egan, was a source of joy and laughter in Elaine’s life, reminding her of the beauty of family bonds. In her daughter Karen’s life, along with her husband Michael C. Rankin, she found immense pride and joy, knowing Karen carried forward the values she instilled in her. Elaine's legacy will continue through her beloved grandchildren, Ashley Alvarez (wife of Jezek Alvarez), Tyler Egan (husband of Shannon Egan), and Josh Rankin (husband of Carley Rankin), who were fortunate to experience her nurturing spirit. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren, including Stella Alvarez, Ila Alvarez, Camden Egan, and Reece Rankin, each of whom drew inspiration and warmth from her presence.

As a sister and relative, Elaine's heart and home were open to her siblings: Virginia Bube and her husband Fred, Jeanette Stein and her husband George, Nancy Kramer and her husband Doug, and Sharon Madtes, along with her husband Don. Her bond with her half-brother Raymond Miller was also significant. Together, they shared memories and experiences that will forever be cherished.

Elaine’s passions extended beyond her family. She had a profound commitment to caring for others in need. Through kind words, encouraging cards, personal visits, and her delicious baked goods, she brightened the lives of many. Her love for gardening flourished alongside her love for baking, both of which were reflections of her nurturing spirit and her desire to provide for those she cared about.

Education was not just a formal endeavor for Elaine; it was woven into her everyday life as she served her Lord through acts of kindness and generosity. Elaine's remarkable life is a testament to the warmth of her spirit and the gentle strength she embodied.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Bean Funeral Home 3825 Penn Ave. Sinking Spring on Friday, March 6 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Reverend Dr. Brett J. Reider will officiate a service at 11:00 am. Graveside Service will be held at Bern Church Cemetery at 12:30 pm.

While Elaine R. Egan may have departed from this earthly realm, her compassionate heart and boundless love will continue to resonate within those who were fortunate enough to know her. She leaves behind an enduring legacy of generosity, faith, and family love that will remain in the hearts of her loved ones forever.

Bean Funeral Home Sinking Spring is entrusted with arrangements online condolences may be made at www.Beanfuneralhomes.com

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03/05/2026

Barbara Diehl Gangewere

Barbara Diehl Gangewere, 96, of Wyomissing, passed away at her residence on Monday, March 2, 2026. She was the devoted wife of the late Dana W. Gangewere who predeceased her on February 23, 1997. Their marriage spanned 44 years.

Born in Reading on May 31, 1929, Barbara was the daughter of the late Harold T. and Harriet M. (Grim) Diehl. A graduate of Reading High School's Class of 1947, Barbara dedicated herself to her family as a beloved homemaker nurturing her children Glenda, Paul, Alane, and Heidi. A lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church Reading, she held the distinction of being its longest-living member and had been actively involved as an usher, greeter, nursery duty volunteer, couples club member, and youth choir participant. Her interests included sports, music, the news, weather, the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies. She enjoyed watching Lawrence Welk's Sunday broadcasts but her greatest joy was her family.

Barbara is survived by her children Glenda Diehl Wiechecki, wife of Dave, of Pittsfield, MA; E. Paul Gangewere, husband of Sharon, of Ephrata; Alane Townsley Damore, wife of Michael, of Ocean City, MD; Heidi Beth Silverman, wife of Steve, of Wyomissing; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one great-niece. Her nephew David Edward Kalbach, husband of Joyce, of Melbourne, FL also survives her. She was predeceased by her sister, Helen Kalbach.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Bean Funeral Homes, Shillington is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers contributions in Barbara’s memory may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 527 Washington St, Reading, PA 19601. Online condolences may be made to www.beanfuneralhomes.com.

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03/05/2026

B. Arlene Clouser

B. Arlene Clouser, 102, of Leesport, passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Berks Heim. She was the loving wife to Dr. Carl B. Clouser, who passed on November 25, 1990. Born in Reading, Arlene was the daughter of the late Ammon A. Heckman, and Anna E. (Shipe).

Arlene's work history includes being a secretary at Albright College and then became Assistant to the Chief Civil Information Section Shizitoka Military Government Team in 1947. She was stationed in Japan for 2 years. She married Capt. James W. Reaves in 1950, and he was KIA in Korea on Sept. 3, 1950.

She enjoyed sewing, knitting, playing cards and scrabble, volunteering at Holy Cross UM Church in Reading, and traveling. Her family was very important to her.

Arlene is survived by her children, Anna I. Balint, wife of Daniel Balint Jr. of Freeport, PA, Mary Ellen Clouser, of Beaver Creek, OH, Elizabeth J. Halvonik, wife of Christopher, of Sinking Spring, Susan E. Bartlett, wife of Robert, of Millsboro, DE, Nancy L. Wells, of Alexandria, VA, stepdaughter, Margery Quackenbush, widow of Robert, of New York City, NY, and stepson, James M. Clouser , husband of Jane, of Michigan City, IN. She is also survived by many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, Arlene is predeceased by stepson, Carl A. Clouser.

Funeral Service for Arlene will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 11:00 AM in Bean Funeral Home, 1605 Rockland Street, Reading, PA 19604. Interment to follow in Oley Cemetery, Spangsville. The family will receive relatives and guests in Bean Funeral Home, Reading, Hampden Heights, on Friday, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Arlene’s memory to, Holy Cross United Methodist Church. Online guestbook and condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com

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03/04/2026

Meet Arlene Sanchez! Arlene is the office manager at Bean Funeral Homes and has been with us since 2017. She’s a mother three, loves nature, and has a passion for cooking. She is so passionate about healthy living and food that she ran her own health food store and vegan restaurant in Puerto Rico for five years before moving to Pennsylvania. Arlene is a valuable asset to Bean Funeral Homes where her skills in business management help everything to run smoothly for the funeral home and for the families we serve.

03/03/2026

Celestino Roman

Celestino “Babo” Roman, 77, of Kenhorst, Pennsylvania, passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Sinking Spring Skilled Nursing and Rehab.

Born in Puerto Rico, he was the son of the late Celestino Roman and Marcelina (Roman) Santiago. Babo was married to Rosetta (Lattanzio) Roman for over 58 years. Together they built a life and raised a family, sharing decades of memories along the way.

He retired from the City of Reading, where he worked as a master electrician, and also owned and operated B&B Alarms for many years. Outside of work, Babo loved gardening, hiking, fishing, and generally having a good time. He took pride in what he grew, enjoyed being on the water, and rarely passed up an opportunity to gather with others. He was the life of every party and had a way of filling a room—telling stories, laughing, and making fast friends with anyone nearby. He never hesitated to strike up a conversation and, before long, he’d know everyone’s name and have them smiling. More than anything, Babo loved his family and friends. He was proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and he treasured time spent with them—whether outdoors, at a celebration, or simply being together. His presence was big, his laughter unmistakable, and his love for those closest to him constant.

Babo is survived by his daughter, Frankie Lyn Sarangoulis, wife of Todd Sarangoulis, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; his son, Bryan Anthony Roman, of Kenhorst, Pennsylvania; his three grandsons, Andrew, Roman, and Niko; his two great-grandchildren, Leo and Cole; his siblings, Raymond Roman, Antonio Roman, Aida Rojos, Sara Roman, Norma Roman, and Lucy DiGuardi; many loving nieces and nephews; and countless friends. He was predeceased by his brother, Carlos Roman.

Babo will be remembered for his strength, his generous spirit, his love of the outdoors, the laughter he brought into every room, and the stories he left with us. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Services for Babo will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Dementia Society of America. Bean Funeral Homes, Sinking Spring, has been entrusted with arrangements. Online guestbook and condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com.

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03/03/2026

Gilbert A. Sechrist

Gilbert A. Sechrist, 'Gib', 94, of Womelsdorf, passed away on Friday, February 27, 2026, surrounded by his wife, children and their spouses. He was the devoted husband of Geraldine ‘Gerry’ A. Sechrist (Ackerman), with whom he shared 69 years of marriage. Born in Pittsburgh on September 9, 1931, he was the son of the late Harold and Anna (Anusiewicz) Sechrist. Gib graduated from Langley High School and proudly served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. A skilled cabinet maker for over 50 years, Gib worked at various establishments including Sears Roebuck and Company and Master Craftsman Shop, where he completed his apprenticeship as a Cabinet Maker after leaving the Navy.

A cabinet maker by trade, he did not stop creating items from wood when his work day was done. Much of the furniture in his home and those of his children and grandchildren was hand crafted in Gib’s workshop, often starting with felling the tree. His other endeavors included wood turning and carving, producing picture frames, candlesticks, decorative boxes, bowls, vases, carved figures and statues, trays and cutting boards. His prolific creativity has resulted in shelves of boxes containing future wedding presents for all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Gib loved camping, first with the Boy Scouts of America, then with Gerry and their family. Initially borrowing his uncle’s tent, Gib graduated to owning three motor homes over the years in which the family logged many highway miles and toured much of the United States. Along with camping Gib enjoyed fishing, mostly on Pennsylvania’s rivers and lakes. Gib is survived by his beloved wife, Geraldine ‘Gerry’ A. Sechrist of Womelsdorf; son, Scott W. Sechrist, husband of Anne Gehret, of Downingtown; daughter, Linda Sechrist Bauer, wife of Alfred Bauer, of Allentown; daughter, Connie Sechrist Butler, wife of Matthew Butler, of Bel Air, MD. Also 10 grandchildren; Diana Bauer, Dan Bauer, Brian Sechrist, Amy Sechrist, Emily Sechrist, Zackary Bauer, Jacob Butler, Mandy Bauer, Alex Butler and Cooper Bauer and 6 great-grandchildren; Grace Bauer, Hanna Bauer, Isabel Sechrist, Josephine Sechrist, Robert Sechrist and Caleb Bauer. He was predeceased by his brothers, Stanley Kmick and Edward Kmiecik.

A celebration of life service will be held at Bean Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., 3825 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring, PA 19608, on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 3:00 PM. Amy S. Landis, Certified Celebrant, will officiate. The family will receive relatives and friends at the funeral home from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Inurnment with Military Honors will take place at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, 60 Indiantown Gap Rd, Annville, PA 17003 on Monday, March 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM. Online condolences may be made to www.beanfuneralhomes.com.

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03/02/2026

Mary Ann Derr

Mary Ann Derr (DiPietro/Peters)

July 10, 1937 – March 1, 2026

Mary Ann Derr, 88, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026 surrounded by family.

Born July 10, 1937, she was the daughter of Gaetano DiPietro (Peters) and Catena DiBlasi. She was a graduate of Reading High School, Class of 1955.

Her first place of employment was Bloom’s Bridal. She later worked at Pomeroy’s Department Store before dedicating 35 years of service to John Wanamaker, where she was known for her professionalism and dedication.

She was the devoted wife of Terrance Derr Sr. for 69 years, a marriage marked by commitment and love. He preceded her in death. She was also predeceased by her brother, William Peters.

Mary Ann was a member of Saint Ignatius Loyola Roman Catholic Church and the Junior League. She enjoyed shopping, socializing, and spending time with family and friends. She was outgoing and personable, never hesitating to strike up a conversation and make those around her feel welcome.

She is survived by her son, Terrance Derr Jr. and his wife, Lori Derr; her grandchildren, Ashley (Derr) Grande wife of Ben Grande; Terrance Derr III; and Lilly Derr; and her great-grandchildren, Luciano, Gia, and Milania Grande.

A prayer service will be held at the Chapel of Saint George at Gethsemane Cemetery, 3139 Kutztown Road, Laureldale, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Mary Ann will be remembered for her warmth, her elegance, and her love of family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Heritage Resident benefit fund at 200 Tranquility lane, Shillington PA 19607. Bean Funeral Home 6 Fairlane Road, Exeter Township is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com

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02/28/2026

Daniel L. Beeman Jr.

Daniel L. Beeman Jr., 55, of Mohnton, passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026. He was the loving fiance of Deborah S. Arnold, with whom he shared 19 years together. Born in Reading on May 1, 1970, he was the son of Daniel L. Beeman Sr. and Dorothy (Hoffman) Beeman. Daniel was the owner of Berks Auto Glass and loved riding his motorcycle, being a Harley enthusiast.

Daniel is survived by his fiance, Deborah S. Arnold of Mohnton; his mother, Dorothy Beeman of Mohnton; his daughters, Jessica Romberger, wife of Leroy of New Mexico, and Taylor Zalapa, wife of Jose of Kenhorst; his granddaughter, Nirvana Romberger, and his soon-to-be grandson, Azra Zalapa; his sister, Jennifer Stripling, wife of Jeremy of Mohnton; his brother, Richard Beeman, widower of Maryann of Kenhorst; and several relatives and friends.

He was predeceased by his father Daniel L. Beeman Sr. who passed on July 25, 2020.

A celebration of life service will be held at Bean Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 129 E. Lancaster Ave., Shillington, PA 19607, on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive relatives and friends at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Bean Funeral Homes, Shillington, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com.

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02/27/2026

Preplanning your funeral gives you the peace of mind that your arrangements will be carried out exactly the way you planned them. This removes the burden and decisions from your family at the time of death, allowing them to grieve while ensuring that your funeral is exactly what you wanted. To learn more about preplanning, call Bean Funeral Homes at (610) 376-1129.

02/27/2026

Kathryn A. Donnon

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, Kathryn A. Donnon, 78, of Spring Township, passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 8:37 pm at Penn State Health-St. Joseph Hospital.

Born March 4, 1947 in her childhood home in Elverson, she was the daughter of the late Harvey and Kathryn (McGoldrick) Keim. She was a loving mother to her daughter Tara K. Mountford, wife of Simon J. Mountford of West Lawn, and a devoted grandmother to Lauren K. Robertson, wife of Josh S. Robertson of Sinking Spring. She was an exceptionally adoring and attentive great grandmother to Ellie and Oliver.

Kathryn was an independent care giver until her retirement. She was a source of love and warmth to everyone who knew her and was selfless, gentle, and kind. She loved spending time with family, gardening, caring for others, going on adventures, animals, the beach, feeding wildlife, eating sweets and drinking coffee any time of the day. But her absolute favorite thing to do was to play with her great grandchildren. She had a beautiful spirit and a wonderful sense of humor. She will be deeply missed.

Interment will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Speranza Animal Rescue - https://www.speranzarescue.org/donate. Bean Funeral Homes & Crematory, 3825 Penn Ave. Sinking Spring is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com

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02/25/2026

Bean Funeral Homes is pleased to announce its first Breakfast & Learn event, taking place on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at our Shillington funeral home. David Burawski, Prearrangement Director, and Beth Harp, Administrative Staff, will lead the event. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the prearrangement process and its benefits while enjoying breakfast. A tour of our facility will also be provided.

📍Location: Bean Funeral Homes, 129 E. Lancaster Ave., Shillington, PA 19607
📅Date: March 4, 2026
🕛Time: 10:00 AM

Register: RSVP by calling (610) 376-1120