Sister Maura Beckman of Monastery Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand

Sister Maura was born Flora Kathryn Beckman on July 21, 1930, in Jasper, Indiana, third of four children of Henry “Harry” Bernard Beckman and Flora (Zenthoefer) Beckman. She entered the Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand in 1950 from St. Joseph Parish in Jasper, and made her monastic vows in 1952. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Sister Judith Beckman and her brother Frederick Beckman. She is survived by her sister Dorothy R. (Beckman) McCarthy and her religious family. Sister Maura studied at many universities, earning her RN from St. Vincent’s in Indianapolis, IN and Sacred Heart School of Nursing in Yankton, SD. She also majored in Social Gerontology at both University of Evansville in Evansville, IN and St. Mary-of-the-Woods College in Terre Haute, IN. 

Sister Maura worked for decades as a nurse in Indiana, starting in the monastery infirmary at age 23. She later served at St. Joseph Hospital in Huntingburg. She took on many roles across her medical career, even overseeing an obstetrics department after rigorous additional training. Sister Maura transitioned to hospital chaplaincy at Jasper Memorial Hospital in Jasper, where she also served as Director of Pastoral Care. Beginning this second career at the age of 60, she ministered to patients and families navigating the most vulnerable moments of their lives. When the hospital began incorporating hospice care, she was an early supporter, understanding the need for compassionate, holistic end-of-life care. 

Public visitation will be held in Marian Parlor at Monastery Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand, Indiana, on Thursday, August 20 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. EDT, and on Friday, August 21 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. EDT in the monastery church. A Vigil Service will be held in the monastery church on Thursday, August 20 at 7:15 p.m. EDT. Funeral Liturgy will be held on Friday, August 21 at 4:30 p.m. EDT with burial of the cremains at a later date. The public may view the Vigil Service and Funeral Mass at funeral.thedome.org. Rainey Funeral Home in Dale is in charge of the arrangements.