MARY BECKMAN

1935 - 2018

BECKMAN MARY THERESA BECKMAN Mary Theresa Beckman passed away suddenly on September 21, 2018. Mary was born on July 27, 1935 in Boston, MA to the late Dennis A. and Alice M. O'Madigan. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Dennis and sister, Patricia. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, David; daughters, Germaine and Gabrielle; son, Ronald; and seven grandchildren. Mary had a 26 year career at the White House in the service of six Presidents, beginning with Dwight D. Eisenhower and ending with Jimmy Carter. After working in several positions over the years with speech writers and the Food for Peace Program, she went to the White House Photo Office during the Johnson years working for the President's photographer, Yoichi Okamoto. Mary stayed on in this position for President Nixon's personal photographer, Ollie Atkins, President Ford's personal photographer, David Kennerly, and finally President Carter's photographic team. In retirement she became a devoted gardener, an amazing cook and a lover of music and animals of all kinds. Mary was a loving mother, grandmother and a true and devoted friend to many. Mary will always be remembered by her friends and family for her great thoughtfulness in always remembering them and events special in their lives in ways unique to each person. Growing up, her mother always called her "Mary the original". Mary will also be remembered as an upbeat person who could always lift the mood of others. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 29, 2018 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Columbia, VA by the Reverend Gerald Francis Musuubire. Entombment of Mary's cremains will follow in the Columbarium at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church Cemetery in Palmyra. Thacker Brothers Lake Monticello Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Family and friends may share memories and photos at www.thackerbrothers.com. www.thackerbrothers.com.