Obituary of Mary Claire Beckman

Mary Claire Reilly Beckman, born March 30, 1927 in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully shortly after her 90th birthday, on April 8, 2017 in State College, Pennsylvania. Mary was a graduate of the University of Connecticut and a devoted fan of the UConn women's basketball team. After graduating with a degree in History and a brief stint at the Goodyear Rubber Company, she served as an officer in the US Navy. While stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, she met and married George Beckman, in 1953. Mary had a life filled with creativity, joy and love. She was a recognized fiber artist, weaving, knitting, dying and spinning her own yarns. She was an avid gardener and voracious reader. She was the Commodore of a Kayaking club and founder of the Tuesday Group. She and George travelled extensively. They visited Uruguay, Peru, Norway, Russia, Finland, Fiji and New Zealand. They also spent time at artists' colonies in Mexico, explored Ireland, bicycled along the Rhine River, skied in Austria, Switzerland and Italy, and backpacked the Grand Canyon when Mom was 70. Mary will be dearly missed by George, her husband of 64 years, her five children, their spouses, her thirteen grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and by her loving friends. She is survived by George; son Joe Beckman, and his wife, Tanya, of Corvallis, OR; daughter, Lisa Squire and her husband, Bill of State College; daughter, Ann Beckman of Robinsdale, MN; son, Kurt Beckman and wife, Erin, of Manassas, VA; daughter, Jill Edison of Virginia Beach, VA; grandchildren, George Beckman, Carly Beckman, Kristen Beckman; Kelsey and Aaron Knight, Kaitlin and her fiancé Geoffrey Hillis, and Valerie Squire; Brenna and Scott Peterkin, Dan and Gabi Hogan, Steve and Ali Hogan; Peter and Alison Beckman, Ava Beckman and Nicole Moreno; and Mary and Kelly Edison; great-grandchildren; Elle and Hugh Knight; Kyler, Jana and Katrina Peterkin, Maxine and Luca Hogan, Greyson Grant; and sister-in-law, Norma Hannon. She is preceded in death by her brother Joseph Reilly. The family wishes to thank the kind and caring staff of Elmcroft for their care of Mary in her last days, most especially Regina. Rest in peace Mom. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.