Norma Ellen Beckman

Norma Ellen Beckman, 94, of Batavia, Illinois, surrounded by love gently and peacefully went to be with the lord on December 9, 2021.  She was born on August 7, 1927, in Aurora, Illinois, the daughter of Charles “Chick” and Lena (Pyell) Allison.  She was united in marriage to the late Charles E. Beckman, Jr. on August 4, 1948, at the Evangelical Covenant Church of Batavia, Illinois.

Though Norma had a fondness to travel, she remained rooted in her beloved Batavia for most of her 94 years.  She traveled the world with her husband and close friends.  She was a remarkable storyteller.  Usually with a twinkle in her eye, she would tell stories about her life and travels paying close attention to every detail.  From the Eiffel Tower in France to the day trips to Wisconsin for afternoon plays, each story had her unique perspective with a joke or two entwined as she often said, “if you can’t find fun in life, then why bother”. 

After high school, Norma worked at Campana and Furnas Electric before moving to California where she lived and met other Air Force wives while Chuck served in the Air Force and was stationed in the Philippines.  Answering the call to return to Batavia to help with family, Norma and Chuck settled in their family home in Colonial Village where she remained until a few short years ago.  Norma’s legacy is her ability to love unconditionally.  A natural Mom and Grandmother, she showered her children, grandsons, and great-grandchildren with affection and her undivided attention.  Strangers did not remain strangers for long with Norma as she welcomed many people to her home and heart.  She was affectionately called, “Ma” by family, friends, and anyone who needed it.

With her husband, she established and ran Chuck’s Garage in Batavia for over 50 years where she did all the “bookwork” as she called it.  Among her unofficial duties, she brought lunch for whoever worked that day.  She would prepare meals to the like of Sunday dinner, all homemade and extra for anyone who happened to stop by.  Her meals became so popular that the parts salesmen would route their drop-offs at the shop to coincide with the noontime meal.  Norma would say that she always had room for one more--one more at the table and one more in her heart.

Norma is well remembered by her giving spirit and propensity to take care of people, especially little ones.   She served over 26 years in the nursery at her beloved church taking care of the babies during the church service.  She spent most Sundays rocking babies while listening to the sermon over the intercom. 

Norma is survived by a loving family, her three surviving children, Dennis (Julie) Beckman, Phyllis (Keith) Potter, and Henry (Robin) Beckman;  her five grandsons, Joshua (Candice) Beckman, Thomas (Roxanne) Guffey, Jeremy (Jacqueline) Beckman, Travis (Brianna) Beckman and Charlie Guffey;  her 8  great-grandchildren:  Alexia Beckman, James Tull, Jordan Beckman, Jerett Beckman, Bradley Burden, Braxton Burden, Jax Tyra, and  Kaizen Guffey,  her brother Charles Allison, and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband Charles E. Beckman, Jr.; her son, Charles E. Beckman, III; her sister, Edna Mae Treest, her brothers, Raymond Allison, Donald Allison, and her lifelong friend and traveling companion, Marilyn Anderson.

Visitation will be held at Batavia Covenant Church, 1314 W. Main Street, Batavia, Illinois 60510 Saturday, December 18, 2021, beginning at 10:00 am followed by a celebration of life service at the church at 11:00 am.   Interment will follow the funeral service at the West Batavia Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Norma’s name to Batavia Covenant Church, 1314 W. Main Street, Batavia, Illinois 60510.

For additional information please contact Moss Family Funeral Home at (630) 879-7900 or www.mossfuneral.com.