Obituary of Mary Elizabeth Challman

Mary Elizabeth Challman, age 63, passed away on May 21, 2024, in Palos Hills, Illinois.

Mary Beth was born on May 20, 1961, to Florence E. and Ronald F. Challman in Omaha, Nebraska. She subsequently moved with her family to Colorado Springs, Colorado and Yorktown Heights, New York. After she graduated from Yorktown High School in 1979, Mary Beth went on to study at the State University of New York at Cortlandt and graduated with a BA in Recreational Therapy. While completing her undergraduate education, Mary Beth worked at Blythedale Children's Hospital in Valhalla, New York, a reflection of her natural talent and commitment to the education of children. Working with special needs children was a lifelong career vocation. She earned a Master's Degree in Special Education from Northeastern Illinois University in 2003 and continued as a Special Education teacher forover 25 years in the Chicago area.

Mary Beth was enthusiastic about sports, playing rugby in college and afterward, and was an avid supporter of her college and professional teams. She was talented in creating ceramics and pottery. She also enjoyed beadmaking and gifted her beautiful rosaries to her family members. She doted on her many nieces and nephews and loved sharing family reunions, graduations, weddings, baptisms and other family events.

Mary Beth was predeceased by her father Ronald in 2004. She is survived by her mother Florence E. Challman, sister Laura (Thomas) Anderson, brothers Rev. Stephen Challman, Michael (Joanne) Challman and Dr. Thomas (Barbara) Challman. She is also survived by 13 nieces and nephews (Ryan Challman, Caitlin Anderson (Ayo Olanrewaju), Mary Challman, David Anderson, Rachel Challman (Forrest Faerber), Matthew Challman (Jessica), Andrew Challman (Emily), James Challman, Peter Challman, Mark Challman, Anne Challman, Kevin Anderson (Cole), Anita Anderson, 2 grandnephews (Jaiden Olanrewaju and Callan Faerber) and 2 grandnieces (Hunter Anderson and Lily Anderson). Mary Beth's family, friends and colleagues will deeply miss her loving, lively personality and fun-loving spirit.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 22, 2024, 10:30 AM at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Yorktown Heights, NY followed immediately by interment at Amawalk Hill Cemetery. Please wear white or bright colors as a tribute to Mary Beth's joyful personality.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ronald F. Challman Endowed Scholarship in Computer Science at the University of Texas at El Paso. Please call or email - (915) 747-8533, givingto@utep.edu for donation information.