Promoted to Glory

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Promoted to Glory



COLONEL CATHERINE SAMMONS BEARCHELL, known affectionately by her friends as “Sammy,” was recently promoted to Glory from Sacramento, Calif. She was five months short of her 99th birthday.

Catherine Sammons was born to Salvation Army officers in St. Louis. She first worked as a secretary in the New York headquarters, where she married Captain Charles Bearchell in 1924. They held major administrative positions in Eastern, National Central and Western Territorial Headquarters.

During World War II she was a tireless supporter of Navy seamen, writing their families and providing small comforts. After the war they were transferred to London, where they shared a “very grim time” along with the British. After retirement she directed the Army’s Social Services Center for many years, where she was friend and counselor to thousands of low-income San Franciscans.

Colonel Bearchell leaves a daughter, Evelyn Grace Dexter, a son, Dr. Charles A. Bearchell and his wife of North-ridge, Calif., four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Interment was at Cypress Lawn, followed by a time of remembrance at the San Francisco Citadel.

Captain Joe Posillico officiated at both services with the assistance of Capt. Shawn Posillico, Lts. Philip and Lawry Smith and Major David Drake.

Messages of condolence may be sent in care of Evelyn Dexter, 3236 Groveland Way; Antelope CA 95843.

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