Obituary of Dana Pelkey Bealer

In Loving Memory of Dana Pelkey Bealer July 6, 1958 - June 30, 2026 It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Dana Pelkey Bealer on June 30th, 2026. She privately & courageously battled lung cancer for 13 months. She passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family. Dana grew up in Lakewood NJ & graduated from Lakewood High School in 1976. She was a free spirit and lived a full life of adventure. When she was young, her mother Gloria Pelkey and father Richard Pelkey would take her on camping trips across the country. She saw Yellowstone and many of the great national parks. In 1977 she attended The Art Institute of Boston, MA where she studied graphic arts. She told lots of funny stories from college and fondly spoke about her time and friendships there. She loved going to concerts with friends and was able to see some of her favorite and most influential artists of our time. She pursued a life of art using the mediums of pottery, drawing and sculpture. She worked alongside her mother in her art studio and framing business. She worked for the state of NJ for 20 years and made countless friendships. She spent lots of time doing fun activities with her coworkers such as playing softball for the Department of Labor, going to baseball games, and doing escape rooms. Dana loved to garden and crochet. Her house was filled with a lush forest of greenery that thrived with her Green Thumb. Her yard always had the most beautiful plants that she loved tending to with her "twilight gardening." She was an animal lover and had cats for the majority of her life. She would spend hours crocheting towels, hats, blankets, coasters, and whatever else she could think of for fun and to decorate the whole house. During the pandemic she made 201 crocheted ear protectors for nurses who struggled with ear pain due to masks. She had a heart of gold and wanted to help others in a way she could. She enjoyed spending time with her family. She was known to say that her greatest achievement was raising her two daughters, whom she was proud of. The Holidays were always hosted by her, which is a tradition passed down from her mother Gloria. She created an air of magic & love on every one. Dana will forever be remembered by her family and friends for her kind heart, sense of humor, and creative spirit. She is survived by her daughters, Jessica Bealer and Victoria Bealer; her sister Alicia Sosnoff; her brother Gregory Pelkey; and her Cat Grandchildren Archer & Flynn. Family and friends are invited to attend services. A Memorial Service and celebration of life will be held on July 11th, 2026 from 2:00 PM-4:00 PM at Ocean County Cremation Service, 1252 Route 37 West Toms River, NJ 08755.