Beatrice Oliver

In Loving Memory of Beatrice "Bertie" Yancey Oliver our mother, who joined the heavens peacefully in her sleep Sunday morning, March 6th, 2011. Born on October 2nd, 1930 to Bernie and Virgil Yancey, she married Edward R. Oliver after meeting him while working together at Eli Lilly & Co. She graduated Decatur Central, taught CCD at St. Matthew's, St. Augustine's, St. Vincent dePaul and gave selflessly of her time, energy and love to her children and their families. She enjoyed square dancing, entertaining, bowling, horseshoes, fishing, game shows, soap operas, crocheting and making crafts. Through her charismatic and loving personality, she made friends wherever she went. She got her home with a white picket fence and garage, when she had her first child. However, they quickly outgrew that by child three, so our dad purchased another house, lifted it up and moved it. He wanted to live on Lake Maxinhall, but she had the safety of her children in mind, so they built on Tuxedo Street. She then went on to raise 11 children. As a mother, she cared for all of her own children, the neighbor's kids and even at a day care. She also loved shopping for them -- one of her biggest joys was seeing how happy kids were with presents at the holidays. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and aunt. She was altrustic and brightened the lives of those around her. She was compassionate and allowed everyone into her life -- no matter how different they might appear to be from others. Her personality and sense of humor will keep her memory alive for her survivors. So long as we can look to the future with optimism and give to others freely, she will be with us. She taught each of us to volunteer our time and energy to those in need -- a skill she never lost, even at Plainfield Nursing Home, where she treated the staff like her own kids. She will be missed by her loving and adoring extended family. Her sister, Ruth Williams; daughters, Mary Ann (Jack) Keller, Kathleen (Jose) Hernandez, Christine (Larry) Oliver-Johnson, Judith (Robin) Rigdon; sons, Daniel (Bonnie), Frederick (Abby), Edward Robert, Jr. (Mary Beth), Mark (Denise), David (Carrie), Joseph (Brandy), Thomas (Matthew); 17 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-granddaughter. Her husband of 49 years preceded her in death.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, March 10 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 4100 East 56th St., with Visitation from 9:00 to 11:00 am. Burial at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers (because Bea was involved with so many organizations), please consider a donation to your personal charity.

Services entrusted to Feeney-Hornak Keystone Mortuary. Condolences may be offered at www.feeneyhornakkeystone.com.