Mary Frances Divita

An Indiana farm girl who made it to the big city, Mary Frances Divita (nee Beckmeyer), 85, passed away peacefully in Indianapolis on May 12, 2025, surrounded by family.

Born on October 11, 1939, Mary grew up on the family farm outside Decatur, Indiana, and graduated from Decatur Catholic High School in 1958. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Marian College (now University) in 1962 and a master’s degree in journalism from Indiana University in 1967. Mary worked for several Indiana newspapers, including serving as the women’s editor for the Kokomo Tribune, serving on the women’s staff for the Indianapolis Star, and reporting for Topics Newspapers (Indianapolis). She then worked for 30 years as a proofreader for printing companies in Indianapolis.

Mary wed James J. Divita, on August 22, 1964, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Decatur. Even after she moved to the city, Mary remained connected to her farm upbringing, cultivating large vegetable and flower gardens. She cheered for Indiana sports teams and always either listened to the Indy 500 on the radio or attended the race. Mary enjoyed trying new restaurants, playing cards and Chinese checkers, doing puzzles, cooking, and traveling. For about 40 years, she was a polling precinct clerk for every primary and general election. Mary was proud to be a member of the Society of Indiana Pioneers, which honors the descendants of the first Indiana settlers. She also enjoyed visits from her four grandchildren and following their activities.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Lawrence Beckmeyer and Mary Ann (Gase) Beckmeyer and her husband of 58 years, James Divita. She is survived by her four children, Lawrence Charles (Jill) Divita, Mary Theresa “Terri” (Dave Kitchen) Divita, Michael (Lori) Divita, and Anne (Chris Kopacz) Divita Kopacz; and four grandchildren, Mary Genna Divita, Juliana Divita, Caroline Kopacz, and Josephine Kopacz.

Visitation will be at Flanner Buchanan - Speedway, 2950 N. High School Rd., Indianapolis, on Thursday, May 22 from 4 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 6000 W. 34th St., Indianapolis, on Friday, May 23 at 11 a.m. Burial will immediately follow at Calvary Cemetery, 435 W. Troy Ave., Indianapolis. To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.flannerbuchanan.com. Gifts in memory of Mary can be made to the American Lung Association.