Beatrice K. Hedrick

Beatrice K. “Bea” Hedrick, 70, of Galesburg, died at 5:07 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg. Bea was born December 8, 1942 in Galesburg, the daughter of James B. and Catherine Rose (Pendergast) Redington.  She married Gene Hedrick on February 1, 1964 in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Galesburg.  Bea is survived by her husband of 49 years, Gene; two sons, Brian (Candi) of Cameron and William of Galesburg; and three daughters, Rose Hedrick of Galesburg, Jennifer (Daron) Deen of Arnold, MO and Jill (Todd) Lubkeman of Bristol, WI.  She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Bailey and Gene Hedrick, Trent Schmidt, Grace and Sam Deen, Liam and Jake Lubkeman.  She was preceded in death by two brothers, Lewis and Tom; a sister, Marjorie Redington; and a half sister, Betty Spillman. Bea attended St. Joseph’s Academy and graduated from Corpus Christi High School in 1960.  She worked as a personal property tax assessor before becoming a stay at home.  After some years at home, Bea went back to work as a school bus driver for CUSD #205.  Bea will be best remembered as an Irish farm girl who embraced her Catholic faith.  It was always her faith that sustained her.  She was an active member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, serving as a Eucharistic Minister, and belonging to St. Vincent DePaul Society, the bereavement committee, different prayer groups and Cursillo.  After many years of faithful service to the Catholic church, Bea was awarded the Pierre Marquette Award on November 18, 2007. Funeral Mass for Bea will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church.  Rev. William Miller, IC will officiate.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.  The rosary will be prayed at 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home.  A visitation will follow from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society or to Corpus Christi Catholic Church.  Masses may be offered in remembrance of Bea as well.