Jane Beckway Bailey, 71

Obituary from Sullivan Funeral Home:

ELMHURST, IL – Jane Beckway Bailey, age 71, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 26th, surrounded by love. She retired as principal of Elmhurst's Conrad Fischer Elementary School.

She was the beloved wife of John G. Bailey and the devoted mother of Ryan Bailey (Carolyn Sutter), Megan Parker (Brendan), and Jason Bailey. She was the adoring and cherished grandmother of Bailey and Ellison Parker and was joyfully awaiting the arrival of her third grandchild this coming October.
Jane was a dear sister to Nancy Levin (Larry) and John Beckway (Yvonne), and a proud, playful aunt to Becky Levin, Garrett Levin (Virginia Frasure), Michael Sill, Nicole Molina (Wbaldo), and Michelle Sill-Lankford. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Jack and Jean Beckway.

A devoted lifelong educator, Jane dedicated more than 50 years to teaching and mentoring, guided by a deep commitment to uplifting those in need. Nurturing by nature, she was a tireless advocate and an unwavering cheerleader for everyone fortunate enough to cross her path. Her warmth, kindness, and wisdom left an indelible mark on generations of children, colleagues, friends, and family.
Jane believed in magic - not just the kind found in storybooks, but the everyday kind: the sparkle of imagination, the wonder of discovery, the transformative power of being seen and valued. Whether donning a full Cat in the Hat costume - complete with face paint - or crafting unforgettable classroom experiences, she made it her mission to ensure every child felt special, unique, and deeply loved.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Conrad Fischer Elementary School in Elmhurst, IL, on August 23, 2025. More details will be shared closer to the date. All who knew and loved Jane are warmly invited to attend and help honor the joy and legacy she brought into the world.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Jane’s memory to your local public library, animal shelter, or to The Sesame Workshop - a tribute to her lifelong love of learning, literacy, and compassion for all living things.