Tag: Departed 2026

Isobel “Tinker” Kennedy ~ Class of 1966

Arrived ~ 6/4/1948
Departed ~ 1/29/2026

Lovingly reported by, Widge Kennedy.

Isobel “Tinker” Kennedy, 77, passed away on January 29, 2026, in New York City, New York.

Born on June 4, 1948, in Kew Gardens, New York, Isobel lived a remarkable life defined by her trailblazing career, unwavering faith, and deep commitment to fairness and generosity. A graduate of the City University of New York/Baruch College with a Bachelor of Science in Finance, Isobel broke barriers as one of the first female municipal bond traders on Wall Street. Her long and successful career was marked not only by professional excellence but also by her dedication to advocating for the rights of working women. She never forgot her roots nor her parents’ Davenport roots, and used her knowledge to empower others. She became a skilled mentor of finance and the workings of financial markets. Isobel’s passions extended far beyond her career.

She was an avid reader who sought truth and championed the underdog in all aspects of life. Her relentless engagement with politics and financial markets reflected her sharp intellect and commitment to making a difference. Immensely faithful to her Roman Catholic tradition, Isobel’s spirituality was a cornerstone of her life. Known for her originality and free spirit, Isobel was deeply loved by her family and friends. She was generous not only to those close to her but also to many who may never have known the extent of her kindness. Her legacy as a fierce advocate for justice and truth will continue to inspire those who knew her.

Isobel is survived by her four siblings: Elizabeth “Widge” Arts (David) of Oak Brook, Illinois; Henry “Hal” J. Kennedy (Laura) of Staten Island, New York; Kateri Tekakwitha “Teri” Kennedy of New York City, New York; and Annice “Muffie” Kennedy-Hanlon (Daniel) of La Grange, Illinois. In addition, she is survived by her many “munchkins” – her nieces and nephews: Peter Arts/Linda; Katherine Mooney/James; Margaret Fantasia/Anthony; Elizabeth Vitek/Nicholas; Lindsay Hyland/Patrick; Julia Kennedy; Claire Joslyn/Nate.; Patrick Hanlon/Savanna; Sarah Hanlon/Jenna; James Hanlon/Shelbi. Also Tinker had the love of her many Toher/Stafford/Kuriger cousins.

She now joins her parents, Donald B. and Katherine F. Kennedy (Toher), along with many beloved aunts and uncles.

May Isobel’s memory serve as a source of comfort and inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A Funeral Mass will be held on March 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Alphonsus Church, 2618 Boies Avenue, Davenport, Iowa. Committal Service after the Mass at Holy Family Cemetery Davenport, Iowa. Halligan-McCabe-Devries Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

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David Beach ~ Class of 1971

Arrived ~ 2/19/1953

Departed ~ 6/11/2026

David Warren Beach Obituary

February 19, 1953 – June 11, 2026

David Warren Beach, 73, of Gambrills, Maryland, died of sepsis at Hospice of the Chesapeake in Pasadena on June 11th, 2026, in the presence of his loving wife, Kimberly Beach.

David was born on February 19th, 1953 in Darby, Pennsylvania and was the third of seven children. Originally living in the Philadelphia area, the Beach family moved to Bangkok, Thailand in 1967. David fondly remembered those days and would often recall some of his adventures as a young teenager in Asia. When the family returned to the U.S. they made a home in Alexandria, Virginia.

David graduated from Fort Hunt High School in 1971, and after discovering a profound love of numbers, went on to gain a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics at Old Dominion University in 1976 and a Masters in Economics from The University of Florida in 1978. Shortly after, he began his professional career with Ford Aerospace which brought him to California, Colorado, and Michigan before returning to the District of Columbia. In 1989 he returned to school and earned a Masters in Engineering Management from The George Washington University.

David’s working life took him many places, but in 1988 he bought a home and put down roots in Gambrills, Maryland. Initially his home consisted of the property he loved and his golden retrievers. For years family and friends would gather at David’s welcoming home for parties and celebrations. One such gathering was the wedding of David and Kimberly in 2007. At the age of 54 he began a family with the additions of Kimberly and her children Alexander and Paige. After many years of living alone, the bachelor pad had become a family home. He honorably stepped up to the role of becoming a father, and provided for his children both monetarily and by example, focusing on goals of higher education. He deeply loved his own family as well as watching his grandchildren grow. He professed near his last days that “being a family is more important than anything else in life.”

After retiring from the corporate world, David spent his time taking care of his property, playing golf, league bowling, trying to win the lottery, and visiting with friends and family.

He is survived by his wife Kimberly and her two children, Alexander and Paige; his brothers Bob and Charles; and sisters Deborah Angilletta and Grace Kelly. He is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Edna Beach and brothers John and Mark.
David Warren Beach led a life of joy, love, and adventure. His passing has left a big hole in the lives of those he touched. Despite his death, his giving nature and familial love will be felt for generations.

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Becca Coleman ~ Class of 1975

Arrived ~ 6/25/1956

Departed ~ 6/9/2026

Lovingly posted by Lloyd Coleman.

Six weeks ago, our sister Becca started having a repeat of severe stomach pains that had previously plagued her for several years, only this time, the pain landed her in the emergency room. We quickly learned that her pains were stemming from three large, Stage-4, inoperable masses, that were already spreading quickly to other organs. By the time, we knew what was causing her pain, it was too late to reverse their course. After exhausting all possible treatment in a short period of time, it became clear the only thing left to do was to minimize the pain as much as possible and pray for a miracle. Becca understood what this meant and bravely faced her sudden demise with great dignity and acceptance that was a lesson for us all. During the last few weeks, we never heard her complain, even once.

Tonight, The entire Coleman family (Doris Coleman, Leigh Coleman Hotujec Lloyd Coleman, John Coleman, Rae, Justine, Sofie and Scarlett) would like to let you all know that our beloved daughter, sister, and mother Becca left this earth late last night after losing her battle with cancer. Right now, as she is getting fitted for her angel’s wings, we know that we will all see each other again according to a universal plan.

If you knew Becca, you know Becca’s life was extraordinary. She was gifted in so many ways. She loved what she did as she worked in the field of Travel. During her lifelong career in the Travel industry with American Express, she also excelled at making friends, creating a beautiful family with her son John and daughter-in-law Rae, all the while helping to raise three beautiful granddaughters Justine, Sophie, and Scarlett. She also was instrumental in creating the life-long extended family formally once known at Les’Enfants, The ASV Alumni Association. Before we had a digital age to assist with emails, she painstakingly spent years finding alumni through phone calls, and the US Post office. She and a group of her closest friends from ASV did the impossible and brought us all together once again. Her generosity knew no bounds, she never wavered, and our once shy little sister lived out loud.

Becca’s story doesn’t end here — her path simply continues beyond this moment, into a timeless expanse filled with laughter, love, and light. Her spirit moves freely now, carried by ocean breezes and mountain winds, forever part of the beauty she adored.
When you miss her, go where the world feels alive. Walk the shoreline and watch the sun melt into the horizon. Wander a forest trail or gaze up at a sky full of stars. Listen to the whisper of nature — that’s where you’ll find her, smiling beside you.
Instead of flowers, honor her by living as she did: “dig your toes into the sand, hold close the people you love, spend time with family”, or give to a cat sanctuary that warms your heart. Above all, embrace life fully — because that’s how Becca would want you to remember her

Rebecca (Becca) Coleman
Class of 1975

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Ris Galaviz ~ Class of 1976

Arrived ~ 9/2/1958

Departed ~ 6/3/2026

Lovingly submitted by Bill Prentiss to Frank Gerardot:

Hi Frank, Bill Prentiss here, wanted to let you know Ris passed on Wednesday afternoon after her long battle with cancer. She thought the world of you and spoke often of the antics you all got into in Thailand. You were a special friend to her and it showed when she would speak of you and Mark throughout the years.
Be well my friend.

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John Williams ~ Class of 1972

Arrived ~ 2/2/1953

Departed ~ 5/13/2026

Lovingly reported by: Esther Williams Kalbfleisch

John Williams Obituary

February 2, 1953 ~ May 13, 2026 (age 73)

JERSEYVILLE – John Walter Williams, 73, a longtime resident of Jerseyville, Illinois, passed away on May 13, 2026, at Alton Memorial Hospital. He was a warm, thoughtful, and deeply engaged husband, brother, uncle, educator, community leader, and friend whose presence will be profoundly missed.

A son of Lt. Col. Winfield Scott Williams and Priscilla Ives Williams, John was born in Germany and grew up in a military family where he developed a great love of travel and a deep respect for diverse cultures. During his youth, he lived in Virginia; New Delhi, India; California; and Bangkok, Thailand.

John spent his high school years in Bangkok, where he graduated from the International School of Bangkok. There, he was involved in student government and the Honor Society. He was active in Scouting, earning the rank of Eagle Scout. John went on to graduate from Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, and later earned a Juris Doctor from George Washington University.

His first job was as an attorney in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, grounding his career in a strong commitment to justice, civil rights, and service. John returned to Principia College in 1983, where he dedicated more than 40 years as a professor of mass communication and political science, shaping generations of

students. Known for both his intellectual rigor and his sense of humor, John took a personal and genuine interest in his students, ensuring that each felt seen and heard, valued, and supported. Grounded in a global perspective with a commitment to character education, he encouraged students to think critically, engage meaningfully in civic life, and lead with integrity and moral courage.

After serving as Interim President of Principia College in 2019, John was appointed College President, a position he held through 2023 before returning to the classroom and the students he cared so deeply about. As President, John’s leadership was characterized by a firm commitment to community, transparency, and moral and spiritual grounding, guiding the College through a period of transition and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

His influence extended well beyond the classroom, including directing numerous study abroad programs across Asia. John held a variety of leadership roles, including multiple terms as President of the Faculty Senate, chair of the Political Science Department, and prominent positions across several academic initiatives. He was also adjunct faculty in Washington University’s graduate program in international affairs and served as president of the Illinois Political Science Association.

John was recognized with Principia’s inaugural Horace Edwin Harper Jr. and Evelyn Wright Harper Award for Teaching Excellence in 2013. Earlier this year, he was named the 2026 David K. Andrews Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, honoring Principia alumni who have rendered outstanding service to others. Following his passing, Principia’s Board of Trustees unanimously voted to confer upon him the title of Professor Emeritus of Political Science.

Deeply committed to his faith and community, John was an active member of First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Jerseyville. He was also a recognized regional leader, including serving as president and board member of the Great Rivers Land Trust.

All who knew John Williams as an educator, leader, mentor, and friend carry a lasting blessing from his dedication, insight, and love for the River Bend community.

In addition to his beloved wife, Missy Williams of Jerseyville, he is survived by his siblings, Dennis R. Williams and Esther Ives Williams Kalbfleisch (Leon); his sister-in- law, Patricia Williams, widow of Winfield Williams Jr.; his four nieces and their families, Sunny Brockett-Williams (Heather), Michele Tolentino (Dominic), Melisa Gourley (Justin), and Holly Wilson; and his nephew, Charles Wilson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Mackenzie Lewis Williams and Winfield Scott Williams Jr.; and his first wife, Judy Blackburn Williams.

The family is honoring John’s wishes, and no public services are planned. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to Great Rivers Land Trust (greatriverslandtrust.org) or Principia (principiagiving.org).

“The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.” (Genesis 31:49)

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Rick Throop ~ Class of 1963
Arrived ~ 9/13/1944
Departed ~ ca.05/2026

Lovingly reported by Robert Wengel

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Jean Nelson ~ Class of 1966

Arrived ~ 1/6/1949

Departed ~ 5/5/2026

Lovingly reported by, Lois Mowery Dawkins Sutton

Jean Nelson Werner Obituary

Jean Werner passed away on May 5, 2026, at the age of 77, after a battle with cancer.

She was born on January 6, 1949, in Bilwaskarma, Nicaragua, to the late Graham and Margaret Nelson. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Lou Werner. She is survived by her brother, Bob Nelson, and his family (sister-in-law Joan and nieces Jenny and Katie), as well as her cherished friend, Nahda Resen, who held the place of a sister in her heart. Voulishia Roberson was also a devoted caregiver and friend of Jean in the last years of her life. Jean had many, many loving friends around the world.

Jean became a born-again Christian in the early 1970s when she was a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand. She enrolled at Columbia Bible College in South Carolina, where she met Lou Werner, who she married in 1985. They lived in Atlanta and were active members in several churches and faith communities there. After Lou’s passing from leukemia in 1993, Jean went on to serve as a missionary in Russia for several years. Jean also taught classes in English as a second language, where she made many friends in the international community in Auburn and Opelika.

She co-founded the Friends of Internationals group, which provides support and connection for international students. In her last years, she hosted a weekly Bible study group open to anyone. Jean was generous and always looking for ways to help people, especially single women in the faith who might be going through a rough patch.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity Church in Opelika at 800 2nd Avenue at 11am on Saturday, May 9th. Visitation will be at 10am in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pioneers, a Christian Missionary Organization (pioneers.org).

She was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.

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Lynn Barringer ~ 1968

Arrived ~ 10/12/1950

Departed ~4/29/2026

Lovingly reported by Peppy Doggett

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Hugh Van Es ~ Class of 1990

Arrived ~ 5/17/1990

Departed ~3/2026

Lovingly reported by, Shanna Brandt.

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