Beth A. Gentilli

Gentilli, Beth A. MADISON-Beth A. Gentilli, age 55, of Madison, passed away at home surrounded by her family, on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015, after a four year battle with colorectal cancer. She was born on Sept. 4, 1960, in Madison, the daughter of Ethel Darlene Fosdal and Julian Ardell Erickson. She grew up on West Lawn Ave. on the west side of Madison. She attended Madison West High School and graduated in 1978. In 1983, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Beth started her career in Special Education at Middleton High School. She began working at East High School/Higher Ground in 1987. Beth earned her Master of Science in Education at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and graduated in 1989. She left East High School/Higher Ground in 2001 to teach for a specialized program called, REPLAY through the Madison Metropolitan School District. Beth mentored middle school aged boys and worked until she was forced to retire because of her illness. Throughout her career, she received the Competency Builder Award in March, 2008, and the Outstanding Service Award from the Dane County Juvenile Court in April, 2015. She worked with many great people who became her lifelong friends. The kids she taught loved when she would take them on field trips, camping, Brewer games and museums. The toughest kid was never tough enough; she always had genuine love for each of them. Beth also taught many children in summer school through MMSD. She worked her way through college by ski patrolling, at The Goal Post and at The Laurel Tavern where she met her husband, Chris. Beth spent a few months in 1983 traveling Europe with her best friend, Karen Zinkgraf. On Dec. 21, 1985, Beth and Chris got married at Bethel Lutheran Church where Beth was a life-long member. This December would have been their 30th wedding anniversary. She loved any kind of travel, especially to Clearwater Beach with her family where she spent nearly every Spring Break; as well as, visiting her sister and niece in Virginia Beach. Beth enjoyed puzzles, DIY projects and attending her kids' and husband's sporting events. She loved being outdoors, riding her bike, gardening, going to movies and skiing. Beth was an incredible cook, everyone in the family looked forward to her cooking on holidays. Each family member had a favorite dish that she would prepare for them every year on Thanksgiving. She enjoyed competing in mini-triathlons in the area. Beth loved being with her family and she always put others before herself. She was a workaholic and an energizer bunny, she worked many hours at her family's Milios Sandwiches and made sure it was sparkling clean. Beth loved ending her night snuggling with her cat, Boo. She had an infectious smile and a contagious laugh. Beth loved everyone and everyone loved her. Her positivity infected everyone around her. Beth's courage and strength through her illness will forever be admired. She is survived by her husband, Chris; her three daughters, Kara, Lindsay and Jaimie; her sister, Tami (Phil) Conaty; her father and mother in-law, Jack and Helen Gentilli; sister in-law Barb (Bill Kokott) Gentilli; brother in-law, Tom Gentilli; nephew, Rob Vohs; niece, Heather (Mike) Robinson and their two children, Logan and Hadley. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Julian and Ethel Erickson; and many aunts and uncles from the Madison and Stoughton area. A memorial service will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL HOME, 2950 Chapel Valley Rd., Fitchburg, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, 2015. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in her name are encouraged to do so to the family, who will be creating a scholarship in her name at a later time. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral & Cremation Care 2950 Chapel Valley Road (608)442-5002