Catherine A. Beilman

Madison - Catherine Ann Beilman, age 84, died Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2010 at her residence in Madison.   She was born in New York City Jan. 10, 1926, to William Robinson and Catherine Hughes. Catherine is survived by her husband, Robert, of 60 years; three sons, Thomas R.   (Diane) of Salem, Ore., Theodore G. (Judy) of Willowbrook, Ill.,   and Charles E. (Iris) of   Valley Stream, N.Y.; two daughters, Patricia M. (David Poor) of New York City, and Mary A. (Saeed Assadi) of East Lansing, Mich.; and seven grandchildren, Joanna, Laura, Andrew, Elizabeth, Benjamin, Taylor and Emery. She was united in marriage to Robert L. Beilman, M.D. As a young woman, she attended Fordham University, and became an Executive Assistant at Royal Dutch Shell. She moved to Madison with her husband in 1957, and nurtured her large family for her entire life. She was a leading community activist and held leadership positions in a number of community organizations including Common Cause, Madison Friends of International Students, Queen of Peace Community, Junior Great Books, and the Mental Health Center of Dane County.   As a committed advocate for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Catherine also served as a board member of the Dane County and Wisconsin state affiliates.   She championed the rights of the disadvantaged, and touched many lives with kindness and thoughtfulness. In 2008, NAMI of Pennsylvania honored her in Philadelphia for her advocacy. She was one of the original volunteers for Meals-On-Wheels and served the organization for 25 years.   In addition to these leadership positions, she also served her community as a volunteer in many capacities including State Capital guide, and as a Madison Civic Center docent and usher. She pursued her interest in nature and bird watching with her family, friends and fellow enthusiasts.   She particularly loved walking and birding in the Arboretum, and was honored with a commemorative kiosk at the Nine Springs Bird Sanctuary. Catherine was a fine skier, sailor, swimmer, sailboarder and enjoyed snowshoeing.    As an avid international traveler she visited all 7 continents and 40 countries. Catherine opened her home to many international students and their families. Later in life, she attended the University of Wisconsin, and was an avid participant in PLATO. A visitation will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME,   Sunday, October 10, from 4:00-6:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service conducted by the Reverend Diane B. Dulin. Memorials in Catherine's name may be gifted to Housing Initiatives Inc. of Madison, NAMI of Dane County, or St. Mary's Hospital. Catherine's family will miss her for her unconditional love and trusted companionship.