Rosemary Beckman

1928 - 2023

Rosemary Beckman, age 94, entered this world on Sept. 21, 1928, as the eldest child of Wilma (1904-1989) and Fred Benigni (1893-1976). She left it on March 2, 2023, a few years short of a full-century, but the years were filled with a life well-lived. A quietly brilliant woman, she married her intellectual equal, John G. Beckman in 1960. They remained husband and wife until John's untimely passing in 1976. Rosemary was the mother of Joe Beckman; Mary (Bruce) Handler; and Charlie (Kristen) Beckman. Grandmother of Dex, Jack, Grace, and Audrey. She was also a mother-figure (along with her Aunt Anne Celeste) to her much younger cousin, John (Kerri) Benigni, who lived with Rosemary & John for several years - evidence of her belief in a tight-knit, supportive family. She could recite her family tree like the alphabet - she loved to share stories of her ancestors. Fluent in Italian, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Mundelein College in 1950 & eventually added a Masters in Literature from Loyola University in 1957 - which makes sense as her life-long goal seemed to have been to read everything that was ever written! A dedicated educator, she taught for CPS at an inner-city school upon graduating college; and, after starting a family, she returned to work and taught for the Archdiocese for another 20 years until she retired. She was revered by her students as she treated each one like they were her own child - demanding responsibility, accountability & appropriate behavior. Some might have initially viewed her approach as strict, only to realize that it was actually quite loving. As years passed, it was not unusual for one of her children to meet a former student who would share their respect, admiration and gratitude for her influence on their once young lives. While life's twists and turns weren't always fair to her, her strength and resilience were undeniable. Her Golden Years were spent living close to her children (on the same block!) and receiving daily visits from her beloved granddaughters. In addition to her children and grandchildren, she is survived by her two younger siblings: Norma (and the late, John) Savio and Martin (Patricia) Benigni (Christine & John M.). In her memory, Rosemary would request that you do something nice for someone today; because that is what your Mother/Teacher assigned to you as homework! She will be missed greatly as her life meant more than she would ever dream to take credit for (sorry Mom, I didn't mean to end a sentence with a preposition, but if anything will bring you back, it would be to correct my grammar!). In Loving Memory....Godspeed, Mom & Grandma Rosemary - you will remain forever in the hearts of many! There will be a gathering of family and friends on April 8, 2023, please send an email to CelebrationofRosemary@gmail.com for details.