Beatrice H. Nelligan
Beatrice Helene (nee Johnston) Nelligan, age 80, passed away suddenly, surrounded by family, on May 20, 2019. Beloved wife of 57 years to Joe, and loving mother of Mary Beth (Mark) Humenik, Susan (John) Breen, Joe Jr. (Katie) Nelligan, Mark (Lisa) Nelligan, Kathy (Eric) Harders, Meg (Kurt) Frehner, and Sheila (Greg) Adams.
Cherished “Grandbea” of Claire, Andrew (fiancé Lauren Madigan), Matthew, Connor, Liam, Tess & Maeve Nelligan; Peter & Philip Breen; Trevor & Bridget Nelligan; Will, Charlie & Sammy Harders; Greta, James & David Frehner; Patrick, Kathryn & Sarah Adams. Dear sister of Mary Kay (the late Ray) Carroll, and sister-in-law of the late Mary Therese Nelligan, Brendan (Denise) Nelligan, Ann (Don) Beese, Bill (Peggy) Nelligan, the late Frank (Denise) Nelligan, and Helen Flood. Fond godmother, aunt, and friend of many.
Bea was born to loving Irish immigrants, the late Richard and Mary Bridget Johnston on June 6, 1938 in Chicago, who taught her to value God, hard work, education, and family. Bea graduated from St. Clotilde Elementary School, Mercy High School and St. Xavier University. Devoted to her profession, Bea was a caring and compassionate Pediatric Nurse at The University of Chicago, Mercy Hospital, and the Chicago Board of Education.
Bea lived a life of faith that she instilled in all her family. She was an active parishioner of St. Francis Xavier in LaGrange, IL and St. William in Naples, FL, where she enjoyed being a Eucharistic minister to the homebound, volunteering at Immokalee Guadalupe Center, and attending daily mass with her faith families.
Raising her family was Bea’s top priority, and she and Joe, the love of her life, did so with caring determination. Her seven children, their spouses, twenty grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and godchildren were the highlight of her life. Whether it was making family meals, cheering on her children and grandchildren at sporting events and activities, or hosting loved ones at their winter home in Naples, Bea was the devoted matriarch of her family who adored her. She truly will be missed.
Visitation will be Thursday, May 23, 2-9 pm, Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, May 24, 10am, at St. Francis Xavier Church, 124 N. Spring Avenue, LaGrange. Interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Burial private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Misericordia Home, 6300 North Ridge Avenue, Chicago, IL 60660. Funeral Info: 708-352-6500
Dear Joe and Family, We have just received the very sad news of your beloved Bea`s passing yesterday, from Marion. Wetter`. Please accept our sincere condolences. Our heartfelt sorrow is sent to you, Joe and all your family. Fond regards, Marcel and Karen
Joe and Nelligans,
What a beautiful story of a well-lived life.
The Nelligans are a heartbeat of the extraordinary community of La Grange. Bea is such a grand example in the beauty and strength of the word…. mother.
Susan: May you and your family find comfort in each other and the memories you share (or have kept secretly to yourselves) of special moments and daily occurrences with your mom, XO. Laura & David
The Meyer family from California is sadened to hear about the loss of Bea. We are keeping you in our thoughts this week and always.
Condolences to the Nelligan Family. What a wonderful and beautiful woman Bea was…and what a beautiful and loving Family her and Joe raised. Rest in peace, Bea. The Jim Quinn Family
Joe and Family,
We are so saddened to hear of Bea’s loss. She was a beautiful, kind and gentle woman whose deep faith was firmly evident in her very being. May the legacy of her wonderful Family be a source of comfort to you at this difficult time.
Love,
Mary Ann and Jack Taffe
Dear Joe & Nelligan family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Words are so inadequate when the pain is so deep. May God hold you all close and just know you had the very best wife, mother, sister, grandma and friend. You are all in my heart & prayers.
Joe, Katie & Nelligan family,
We are so sorry for your deep and painful loss of such a wonderful woman and matriarch of your family. We did not have the pleasure of knowing her directly, but may your family and friends be comforted by knowing her legacy of service and love and faith is lived out daily by her children and grandchildren and all the people she impacted. We have been able to see and experience this firsthand by seeing her through you. We are praying for all of you, specifically for God’s comfort, strength and peace as you reflect on all of the wonderful ways that her legacy will live on for generations to come.
Doug & Crystal Busch
My deepest sympathy to Joe and family. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Susan, John and family….just read in the Naples Daily News about Susan’s Mom. Our
thoughts and prayers are with all of the family.
Dear Joe and Family
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Bea. She was such a wonderful woman and will be sorely missed especially by her Avalon neighbors. Joe, my heart goes out to you and your family at this very difficult time. My prayers are with you and your family.
Love
Stella DiCostanzo
Dear Joe and Family,
I was so saddened about the news that Bea passed away. She was a very special lady and a dear friend I met living at Avalon. We grew up in the same city so we shared some history together. Please accept my deepest sympathy and cherish your memories .
Dear Joe,
We just learned that Bea died. Dave and I know how very difficult this is for you and your family. Bea was always so inclusive, kind and uplifting when we saw her at Mass with you. We know there aren’t words to console you and we are sorry we didn’t learn about this in time to attend her wake and funeral mass. You are in our prayers at this time.
Warmly,
JoAnn and Dave Lilek
Hello Dear Joe, & family,
Please forgive so late in coming.
I know there is nothing anyone can do, except to tell you that I care
and Hope the love of friends can give you comfort, and the love of God
can give you peace. In Deepest sympathy .