We mourn the passing of Mary Ann Becklenberg, 72, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend on September 20, 2016. Mary Ann was born in Evanston, IL, the eldest daughter of Robert E. and Virginia (Low) Donohoe. She was a graduate of Miami University, Oxford, Ohio and the University of Chicago Graduate School of Social Work. She was married to John Becklenberg of Dyer, IN for over 45 years. She shared her vibrant life with their three children and five grandchildren: Jim (Heidi) Becklenberg, Avery and Evan of Broomfield, Colorado; Amy (Raj) Nadella, Divya and Amit of Decatur, Georgia; and, Mary (Michael) O’Donnell and James of Park Ridge, Illinois. Her siblings include Susan (Lawrence) Scherpereel of Murrysville, PA; Martha (Donald) Bromberek of St. Augustine, FL ; Michael (Mary) Donohoe of Mankato, MN; and Virginia (David) Biernbaum of Wilmette, IL. She is survived also by many loving in-laws, nieces and nephews.Mary Ann focused her career on caring for others, especially as a nursery school aide, a licensed clinical social worker, and the founding Coordinator of the Transitions Program at Hospice of the Calumet Area. Twice a cancer survivor, Mary Ann was diagnosed in 2006 with early onset Alzheimer’s and became an inspired advocate for those living with the Disease. She lobbied on Capitol Hill, spoke eloquently at local, regional and national meetings, and participated in Alzheimer’s advocacy, especially with Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana, and the Early Stage Advisors Group of the National (and Indiana) Alzheimer’s Association. Leading her family by her side, her journey has been featured in newspapers; as “The New Face of Alzheimer’s” on PBS; with Eli Lilly Pharmaceutical Company; on Good Morning America; Story Corps; USA Today; and with Maria Shriver in Time Magazine.Mary Ann will long be remembered as a woman who embraced life in all its complexities with a deep sense of faith and joy, a zany sense of humor, an enduring engagement with others, and special compassion with those hurting. Visitation will be on Sunday, September 25th from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Kish Funeral Home, 10000 Calumet Avenue, Munster, IN.On Monday, September 26, 2016, Mass will be celebrated at St. Maria Goretti Church, 500 Northgate Drive, Dyer, IN at 11:00 AM, with private interment in All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, IL. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her name would be appreciated at Hospice of the Calumet Area/Transitions, 600 Superior Avenue, Munster, Indiana 46321.