Margaret Mary (Sims) Bechina, 84 of Darien, Illinois passed away peacefully on April 3, 2022, due to complications from cancer. She is survived by her husband Joseph and her three children:Marty Bechina (Suzanne), Daniel Bechina (Ellen), Joellen Camden (Paul), six grandchildren: Joseph, Michael, Shaye, James Daniel, Courtney, Connor and six great grandchildren: Brody, Anna, Henry, Brooke, Hudson and Lucy. She is preceded in death by her parents: Anthony Sims and Mary Burke Sims, brothers: William Sims (Marilyn), and Thomas Sims, nephew: Steve Bechina. She leaves behind her brother Jim (Donna) Sims,  nieces: Nancy Jo Roberts (Michael Pickering), Patricia Shea, Suzan Currier (Douglas), Maureen Caballero (Steven), Kim Galbraith (Jim), Jill Holubetz (Kurt) and nephews: Michael J. Sims (Annette), David Sims (Janice) and Mike Sims (Donna).

 

Margaret was the third of four children to Anthony and Mary Burke Sims born in Chicago, Illinois, where she fostered many memories of family dinners and escapades with her brothers. She graduated from Maria High School in 1956 and from Chicago Teachers College in 1959 with a degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. She met and married the love of her life and best friend Joseph Bechina in 1960 which marked the start of their 61 year marriage.

 

Shortly after college, Margaret went to work as a teacher. Most favorably known to most as Marge, she taught for many years in the Chicago Public School system at Curie high school and Peck, Reavis, and Davis elementary schools. Throughout her career, she guided and nurtured diverse groups of children with special needs. She was well-respected by parents and colleagues, creating a multitude of friendships along the way. Margaret was loved by her students, (whose lives she impacted both inside and outside of the classroom. Dedicated to seeing and nurturing her students holistically, she sought to incorporate practical life skills into everyday instruction) She poured her heart into her work and loved her students as her own children. Throughout her career, she touched countless lives . She was sorely missed by students, staff, colleagues, and district alike when she retired in 1992. Margaret was a parishioner and an active member of  Mount Carmel Catholic Church, serving as a Building Committee member, Religious Education teacher, and volunteer coordinator- eager to serve in any capacity.

 

She cherished spending time with her husband, three children, 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Most commonly found serving, supporting, caring, and doing for others, her passion for relationships and community fueled her. She was infamous for opening her home and cooking for family, friends, coworkers & even entire football teams. In her free time, She enjoyed golfing, art and was a dedicated Chicago sports fan. She was a bright light to countless individuals and communities, a woman of deep and devoted faith and was fondly known for her abundant love, kindness and generosity- with a smile & heart for everyone. Most notably, Her sense of humor and outgoing personality filled the room. Margaret was renowned for her unwavering willingness to lend a hand and go the extra mile to make a difference in someone’s life.

 

Margaret’s friends and family who know her will not be surprised that she gave selflessly in death, by being an donor to the anatomical gift association. Her wishes were to be cremated.

A memorial mass will be held 10 a.m. Saturday June 4, 2022 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 8404 S. Cass Ave., Darien.