Obituary: Dedicated Joliet Teacher Beatrice Semrov

Beatrice A. Semrov, born on July 7, 1943, in Joliet, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2025, at the age of 81.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob “Jack” and Rose Semrov (nee Terlep).

Beatrice is survived by her brother Richard J. (Susan Rajala) Semrov; her nieces Janice (Kenneth) Bohac, Jill (John) Batusich; her nephew Alan Grady; her great nephews Shawn Bohac, Brendan (Brigette) Bohac, Nolan (Renata) Bohac, Jake (Megan) Batusich, Joseph Batusich, Thomas (Alyssa) Grady, and her great niece and God daughter Anna Grady.

Bea, as she was affectionately known, valued education. She attended Saint Joseph’s Grade School and graduated in the class of 1961 from Saint Francis Academy. She attended College of St. Francis and graduated in 1965. Bea earned her Master of Arts at Marquette University in 1968.

Bea was a member of The Cathedral Area Preservation Association, Joliet since 1975, and a member of The National Council Social Studies, Phi Alpha Theta since 1977.

Bea was named “Parochial School Educator” by Marquis Who’s Who in the Field of Education and was the first recipient of the “Teacher of the Year” award at the Cathedral of St. Raymond School in 2000.

She began her illustrious teaching career in 1965. Bea was a dedicated teacher at the Cathedral of St. Raymond School for more than thirty-two years. She proudly educated generations of Joliet area students during her dedicated career. Teaching was her passion and faith her guide. She excelled at her craft and instilled the value of learning.

To this day, family members are frequently offered stories from strangers and friends alike of how Beatrice impacted their lives. Her family is filled with pride knowing the positive impact she made throughout her lifetime.

Beatrice was an animal lover, taking great care of her cats throughout her life. She also appreciated and enjoyed her travels, both domestic and abroad.

Later in life, she developed a special bond with her great nephews Jake and Joseph, as they were able to spend their time and share much of their lives with her. Time spent with family, particularly her great nephews and niece, were some of her most cherished moments.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Cathedral of St. Raymond School - Joliet, St. Joseph Church - Joliet or Lightways Hospice–Joliet would be appreciated.

Special thanks to her hospice nurse, Kerry, and aide Joranne, who cared for her for over the past eleven months.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a Chapel Service beginning at 1:00 pm at Tezak’s Home to Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet.

Cremation rites have been accorded, and plans have been made for a private inurnment at a later date at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Joliet.

Obituary and tribute wall for Beatrice are available at www.tezakfuneralhome.com.