Elizabeth Beckman

Elizabeth (Li) Schabacker Beckman, 92, of Erie, passed away on April 27, 2018 at Springhill Senior Living Center. She was born June 14, 1925 in Erie, a daughter of the late Henry Eric and Maud E. Bailey Schabacker. She was married to Charles R. Beckman June 17, 1950. She graduated from Strong Vincent High School, class of 1943, and Wilson College, Chambersburg, PA in 1947.

Li Beckman will be remembered most for her love of her family. She was a warm and caring wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great and great-great-grandmother, and sister. She put her family first throughout her life and was proud of all her children. Li was also devoted to her civic and volunteer interests and to helping others make the most of their opportunities. She was the keeper and teller of family stories from multiple generations. She laughed easily. She loved completely. She often said that her proudest accomplishment was her seven children. They remember her as the mother who was always present to their needs and who encouraged them to live their own lives with faith, reason and humility.  Her children learned to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with their God through her example.

She was a faithful member of Sarah Hearn Memorial Presbyterian Church and then New Hope Presbyterian Church where she served as an elder and a deacon. She was an honorary member of National Missions of Presbyterian Churches and was a past president of the Lake Erie Presbyterial. She was an honorary life member of the American Association of University Women and one of its Educational Foundation Named Gift Honorees. She was a past president of the Erie Library Board, a former member of Governor Thornburg's Advisory Council and the Federal Advisory Council for Library Development, board member of the Erie County Historical Society and the Discovery Square Board of Incorporators.

Survivors include seven children: Jean C. Beckman and Helen Templeton, Evansville, IN; Eric C. and Patricia Beckman, Hillsdale, MI; Barbara R. Beckman and Joseph Flanagan, Conshohocken, PA; Margaret A. Beckman and Christy Stout, Dedham, ME; Sarah J. and James Krueger, Omaha, NE; Harriet E. Beckman and Bradley White, Erie, PA; and Mary A. Beckman and Michele Garvin, Milton, MA; Grandchildren: Jenny, Mike, Dave, Joe, Molly, David, Daniel, Olivia, Jim, Kasey and Colleen; Great-grandchildren: Daniel, Andrew, Theo, Eric, John, Natalie and Ford; and Great-great grandchild: Juliet; sisters: Jean C. Donati, Williamstown, MA and Sally Rodenberger and her husband Bruce, Lancaster, PA. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years Charles R. Beckman; her sister, Mary Schabacker Krimmel, and her brother, Robert B. Schabacker.

Friends may call on Friday, May 4th beginning at 10:00 a.m. at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 5440 Washington Ave. in Erie. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with The Reverend Charles McClung officiating. A reception will immediately follow. Interment in Girard Cemetery will be at 3:00 p.m. Rather than flowers, friends wishing to remember Elizabeth Beckman are invited to make a gift to New Hope Presbyterian Church or to the Erie Regional Library Foundation, 160 East Front Street, Erie, PA 16507. Arrangements are entrusted to Burton Funeral Home, 602 West 10th Street, Erie, PA 16502.