Cassandra Beckman

MIDDLETON-Cassandra (Sandy) Southwick Beckman, age 80, passed away peacefully on Christmas morning, December 25, 2015. She was born on April 30, 1935, in Erie, Pennsylvania, daughter of Lloyd and Hazel (Mays) Walden. Sandy was an inspiration to all who knew her; she met life head-on with a fierce passion and accomplished anything she set out to do. Blessed with a brilliant mind she graduated from high school at age 16 and attended UW Madison where she earned a BS degree in Chemistry. Shortly thereafter she was accepted to the University of Maryland Medical School. However, fate played its hand and Sandy accepted a position as a chemist at the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation in Madison, WI. There she met Bob, and it was love at first sight. They married in Mazomanie, WI on September 28, 1956 and remained married for 59 wonderful years. Though Sandy had a successful career at both WARF and the State of Wisconsin Crime Lab, her most notable accomplishments were achieved as homemaker and mother of five children. She instilled a sense of adventure in her family, planning numerous activities and vacations during their childhood. Loving the outdoors, she orchestrated annual family camping trips throughout the US and Canada, including wilderness backpacking in Montana and Arizona. Her unflagging enthusiasm kept everyone going.
Sandy's drive and curiosity resulted in other monumental achievements. She spent many years taking care of elderly friends and volunteering at the Adult Day Care Center in Madison; Her faith inspired her to become a certified Lay Preacher for the United Methodist Church, preaching throughout southern Wisconsin; She became a certified genealogist, writing five family histories for her own family as well as for others; she was an artist in stitchery; a knitter, cross-stitcher, seamstress, and most of all, a quilter, hand piecing and hand-quilting countless quilts over many years. She loved color and her vibrant spirit was reflected in the beauty of her quilts which she shared with family and friends.
Sandy lived her life with extreme joy, often singing, frequently listening to music, always looking on the bright side. She had a wonderful sense of humor and leaves left a legacy of strength, perseverance, and commitment to those she loved. Her faith in God buoyed her through her entire life and was an inspiration to everyone. She was greatly loved and loved all in return. The world is diminished by her absence. We carry her spirit within us, and are relieved she has finally found the peace she deserves. Sandy is survived by her beloved husband Robert (Bob) Beckman, five children: Betsy Hagens, Sara Passini (Tim), Chris Beckman (Janet), Laura Beckman (Steve Klapperich), and Gretchen Femrite (Greg), along with seven grandchildren: Ross, Anna, Maren, Heidi, Christian, Johanna, and Maya. She is also survived by two sisters, Margaret Froehlich and Gabriel Walden, along with many nieces and nephews. Take joy, Sandy, as you soar on the wings of angels. We love you forever.

Visitation will be from 10-11:00 AM on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at Asbury United Methodist Church, 6101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53705. A Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 AM with Pastor Harold Zimmick presiding. Sandy will then be brought to her final place of rest at Village of Mazomanie Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your charity of choice.

Cress Center
6021 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53705
608-238-8406