Bonnie McBeth – teacher, leader and icon – passes away

PLAINFIELD – The late Bonnie McBeth is being remembered as a vibrant champion of early childhood education in the Plainfield community.

McBeth died Tuesday morning at the age of 85, but she left a legacy of teaching and support for education, said Tom Hernandez, director of community relations for Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202.

"She was an educational leader, kind of an icon in this community," Hernandez said, adding that she was a bright, funny and strong person. "She was one of those people who had a vision, and lived long enough to realize that vision."

McBeth was the first kindergarten teacher in Plainfield and taught for 38 years in the school district, which named the Bonnie McBeth Early Learning Center after her in 2001.

"I'm very surprised and very sad," said Kristin Brower, principal of the early learning center. "She is somebody that we loved having in our building. She comes every school year to read 'Polar Express' to the kids. When we say the real Bonnie McBeth is here, she's a celebrity for the kids."

Brower said she is working with the parent-teacher organization and the district to plant a tree and bench at the center in her honor.

McBeth donated $25,000 of her own money in 2007 to start the Bonnie McBeth Scholarship Fund, which awards $1,500 scholarships to early childhood educators for dedication to students and professional excellence.

"What she's leaving behind is the scholarship," said Ina Brixey, a longtime friend and former teacher in the school district. "Even past her lifetime, she will be helping educators be the best they can be."

McBeth donated even more money into the fund to keep the scholarships afloat during the recession, but her contribution wasn't just financial, Hernandez said.

"She didn't just write a check," Hernandez said. "Every year she personally handpicked the winners. And we, with [Brixey] would personally deliver checks to the winners."

McBeth wasn't known just for her support for early childhood education, Brixey said. She was an active member of the Plainfield Historical Society and of the oldest book club in Plainfield.

Plainfield resident Eileen Diercks was neighbors with McBeth and knew her through family and church.

"Bonnie was a multi-faceted person," Diercks said. "She was always interested in promoting the scholarships. But she was also very involved in church activities, like how she would oversee the landscaping of the church."

While being a Sunday school and Bible teacher, McBeth was also involved with the Apple Tree School Board and Will County Reading Association. And, she was a garden enthusiast.

She co-founded the Reading Recovery Program with Brixey and served in several leadership roles.

Visitation for McBeth is being held from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday at Overman-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 15219 S. Joliet Road in Plainfield, and from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday at Plainfield Congregational United Church of Christ, 24040 W. Fraser Road.