Ana Celia Bean

Ana Celia Bean, nee Vides, a devoted artist and passionate educator, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2025, in Skokie, Illinois, surrounded by her loving family. Born on May 21, 1926, in El Salvador, Ana's journey to Chicago began in 1960 after meeting her future husband, Richard Bean. Together, they built a loving family, welcoming her two children, Rafael and Ann, before adding three more: Mark, Edward, and Carol. Those closest to Ana knew her affectionately as Chela.

Ana's artistic talents were unmatched, particularly in crafting paper mache flowers and piñatas. She turned her passion into a successful career as both an artist and a teacher, sharing her creative spirit with others through adult education classes for the City Colleges of Chicago and various other organizations. Her works were proudly displayed and sold at numerous art centers and fairs across the North Shore suburbs and Chicago, including notable retail sales at the Mexican Shop in Evanston and a raffle of oversized tiger piñatas at memorable events like Goldblatt's Tiger-of-a-Sale.  Ana also worked in retail for many years at Woolworth's in Evanston, The Winnetka Village Market, and Osco in Evanston.

Despite having an elementary school education from a third-world country, Ana displayed incredible intuition and a spirited wisdom that belied her formal schooling. She was known for her clever sense of humor that could brighten the day of anyone she encountered. Ana was sweet, kind, and always wore a smile, endearing herself to all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Her hobbies extended beyond art; she was also an avid gardener with a talent for nurturing both outdoor gardens and indoor houseplants, many of which have thrived for decades and are as old as her children. Ana's love for gardening was akin to her approach to life—everything she touched blossomed under her care, enhanced by her creativity and dedication. Deeply rooted in her Catholic faith, she found solace and strength that resonated throughout her life.

Ana cherished family vacations every summer, creating lasting memories through lengthy road trips to destinations such as Canada, Central America, and most of the United States. Her adventurous spirit also led her to travel overseas to Britain, Spain, France, Egypt, and Australia.

Ana is survived by her children, Rafael (Anne L.) Vides, Ann Oszak, Mark (Kathy) Bean, and Carol Bean (David) Kline, as well as her beloved grandchildren: Olivia (Andrew) Knoblauch, Jenny Vides, Daniel Oszak, and Melissa Oszak. She was the proud matriarch of a family that includes five great grandchildren and two great, great-grandchildren, all of whom deeply cherished her guidance and love.

Ana was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Bean; her son, Edward Bean; her parents, Pedro and Maria Vasquez Vides; and her siblings, Pedro Escobar Vides, Maria Julia Vasquez, and Virginia "Mely" Mixco.

As a dedicated mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great, great-grandmother, and friend, Ana Bean will be remembered for her unfaltering love for her family and her artistic contributions to the community. Her goal was to live to be 100, a testament to her vibrant spirit and zest for life.

A Celebration of Ana's life is pending and will be announced at a later date. Interment will be private at All Saints Cemetery in DesPlaines.