People

Mary married William Beckenbach in 1967. He was born on April 9, 1937, and graduated from DePauw University in Indiana. They had three children: Katherine, born September 12, 1970; Judith, born May 10, 1971; and Halle (McCormick), born March 25, 1973.

Mary’s professional career began as a first-grade teacher at Alexander Graham Bell School for the Deaf in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Her classroom was a tribute to her unwavering dedication. The school was situated in a neighborhood gripped by hardship and plagued by crime. She and her fellow teachers often fell victim to robberies. The books, remnants of prior use in other Cleveland schools, were in dire need of updating. Yet, Mary and her colleagues persevered, even acquiring school supplies with their own money.

Determined to broaden her student's horizons, she secured free tickets and took her students to the Cleveland Zoo and the circus when in town. This simple act opened up a new world of learning for the children, allowing them to observe the animals they had previously only seen in pictures. It was a powerful testament to the transformative power of educational support in underprivileged communities, instilling hope and optimism in her students.

After a pause to raise her children, she became an active volunteer in 1977 for WVIZ/PBS (channel 25) in Cleveland. She successfully chaired a benefit in 1981, followed two years later by chairing the WVIZ auction, raising a record $550,357.

In 1982, Mary became a member of the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM) Women’s Committee Board, serving for over 20 years as chair of several committees and president from 2011 to 2013.

Her support for CIM extended beyond her personal involvement. She and her husband established the William and Mary Beckenbach Endowed Scholarship Fund, a testament to their belief in the power of education. This scholarship, a lasting legacy of their commitment, continues supporting talented students at CIM, ensuring their passion for music is perpetuated for future generations.

Also in 1982, Mary served as the Benefits Coordinator for the American Red Cross in Cleveland. She chaired the Red Cross Ball in 1987, Cleveland’s number-one social event in the cultural field, rivaling similar affairs in Monte Carlo and Palm Beach. The event was black-tie, and women were encouraged to wear red and/or white gowns. Entertainment was supplied by the Air Force Academy Band, including the Moods in Blue Show and the Cadet Sabre Drill Team. The Les Elgart Orchestra played for dancing until 1:00 a.m.

In 1995, Mary was hired part-time as an ambassador for the 26-member Midwest Sales Office of Continental Airlines. The ambassador program compensated not with traditional pay but with airline miles. Each hour worked earned the employee 250 airline miles. The program also granted access to the Continental Lounge.  Recipients had to fly on standby. It was a win-win program for everyone.

Mary and Bill used the miles for a trip to London, England. While waiting in the lounge for the flight, the concierge told them to stay and said she would return to take them to their flight. Mary’s boss had called and arranged for us to fly first class to and from London. That was to show how much she appreciated Mary and her work.