Mary Ann Bede

Mary Ann (Francisco) Bede was born on June 15, 1934 in Lexington, Nebraska to Forrest and Margrethe Francisco. Her sister Jean and brother Fred joined the family in subsequent years. Forrest worked for Northwestern Bell so the family moved frequently; they lived in Lexington, Culbertson, Alliance and Mitchell, SD until finally residing in Omaha. Mary Ann graduated from Omaha North High School, class of 1952. After high school, she attended Nebraska Wesleyan in Lincoln where she was active in drama and the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority. She first taught at Minne Lusa Elementary School in Omaha. She met her future husband, Phillip Bede, who was working as a Youth Director at St. Paul Methodist Church in Benson. They married on August 20,1955 at Pearl Church. They had one son, Randall (Randy) James in Omaha before moving temporarily to Colorado where their daughter, Sandra (Sandi) Kay, was born. From Colorado, the young family lived in Alma, Lincoln and Columbus Nebraska before settling in Lincoln in 1985.

Mary Ann was an educator in the true sense of the word. She taught elementary school in Omaha, Columbus and Lincoln for 37 years. As a part of her interest in Nebraska history, she was asked to write a history textbook for fourth graders. This book is entitled, “Nebraskans” and is available for use in Nebraska public schools. In addition, she wrote and moderated a Nebraska Educational Television show called “People Talk” which was used in elementary schools in Nebraska. This educational show focused on social studies topics which was one of her many educational interests. Her former students have commented on how much they learned and enjoyed having the ever-creative Mrs. Bede as their teacher.

Mary Ann’s interest in education continued into retirement as she became involved with portrayals of notable historic women. Among these women were Susannah Wesley, Clara Barton, Mary Todd Lincoln, Fanny Crosby and Louisa Alcott. She gave these presentations in period customs which she made herself and she enjoyed sharing the stories of these women to civic organizations.

Mary Ann was a 60-year member of P.E.O. and a charter member of Chapter GQ in Lincoln. She was also active in United Methodist Women and was a supporter and fundraiser for MMDC, Midwest Mission Distribution Center in Springfield, Illinois. Mary Ann coordinated mission trips to MMDC and served on the MMDC board. This mission supports natural disaster victims and other international causes. Mary Ann loved playing piano, singing in the church choir and was an avid reader. She shared her talents and was awarded the Jerry Joyce Caring Heart Award in 2017 which recognizes community volunteers. The Bede’s have enjoyed living at the Legacy since 2021.

Mary Ann passed away on Sunday, March 31, 2024. She is survived by her loving husband of 68 years Rev. Phillip Bede; two children, Randy Bede, Sandi (Rod) Carstensen; 3 grandchildren, Andrew (Shannon Amirie) Carstensen, Molly Carstensen and Jake Carstensen; great-granddaughter, Sophia Carstensen; sister, Jean Francisco; many nieces, Nephews, other relatives and friends. Memorial services will be at a later date.