Judith Beckman

Judith B. Beckman, age 79, a resident of Royal Oak, died September 13, 2012 at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. She was born July 15, 1933 in Grosse Pointe to the late Ralph and Pearl Beaupre. Judith grew up in Grosse Pointe with her five sisters and one brother. Her father, Ralph, died at an early age when Judith was three. Her family was influential in developing the area. There are even some streets named after family members, such as Beaupre and Moran. St. Paul Parish in Grosse Pointe played a huge part in her life during her younger years. Judith married the love of her life, Richard, and together they had seven children. She was always thinking of others and had a generous heart. She valued education and encouraged her children and grandchildren to do well in school. For more than 15 years she, along with other family members, maintained a garden at the Detroit Zoo. She truly enjoyed working with flowers and being outside. Judith entered the workforce after her youngest child entered third grade. She worked at the Royal Oak Tribune and eventually retired from the city of Royal Oak. In her later years, she enjoyed volunteering at her church, with the homeless and at various soup kitchens. Judith is survived by her husband, Richard Beckman; the couple married May 14, 1955 at St. James Catholic Church in Ferndale; children, Julie Meraw, Renée Craig Shoup, Jan Ed Sansom, Sue Rich Pashnik, Rick Sherry Beckman, Kathy Nader Wehbe and Paul Lisa Beckman; grandchildren, Karen Meraw, Laura Meraw, Meghan Shoup Finneran, Emily Shoup, Brett Shoup, Clare Sansom, Quinn Sansom, Grace Michael Rieke, Thad Sansom, Erik Pashnik, Madeline Pashnik, Lisa Pashnik, Breanna Beckman, Michael Beckman, Rick Wehbe, Rhonda Wehbe, Rachel Wehbe, Drew Beckman and Olivia Beckman; great grandson, Connor Finneran; one sister; and one brother. She was preceded in death by four sisters. The visitation will be Sunday 2-9 p.m. with a 7 p.m. Rosary at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W Eleven Mile Road 4 blocks E of Woodward, Royal Oak. Judith will lie in state Monday 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass 10 a.m. at St. Dennis Catholic Church in Royal Oak. The burial will take place at Roseland Park Cemetery in Berkley. Memorials to the Detroit Zoological Society are appreciated.