Elsie Jane Beshara

Elsie Jane Beshara died peacefully on March1, 2018 in Gainesville, GA at the age of 87. Jane is survived by her husband of 60 years, Dan, and four of her five children. Michael, Stephen, Monica and Philip—all from Atlanta, her grandchildren, Meghan Hamilton, Michael Beshara, Thomas Beshara and Luke Beshara. She is preceded in death by her oldest son, Daniel Kevin who passed away on March 3, 2011. Her children remember her as a kind yet tough-love mother who encouraged them to pursue excellence in all things—academics, athletics, socialization, and culturally.

Jane was born on October 29, 1930 in Baker Montana to Jack and Mary Chesnover. She was one of 7 children. Leonard, her eldest brother was killed in Alaska during WWII, and she is survived by the remaining siblings: Viola, Anna, Mack, Gladys and Bob. They were a tight-knit family sharing a round-robin letter for decades to keep each other up-to-date with each of their growing families. After most of their children were grown, they had family reunions every four years in various parts of the country. They were well-attended by all the Chesnover siblings as well as the abundance of cousins!

Jane graduated from Montana State University in 1952 with a degree in education. After settling in the Atlanta area, she pursued further education and was awarded a Master’s degree from Georgia State University. She taught at St. Jude’s Catholic School, Marist School, Parkview High School and in Austin Texas.

While raising her family, Jane was involved with her husband, Dan, in the Catholic church in a variety of roles. She also volunteered for the Society for the Blind and typed on a large-font typewriter (remember typewriters?) to enable the visually impaired to enjoy books of all types. She wrote untold numbers of ribbons at swimming and diving meets where her kids were active. She washed mountains of laundry on weekends after working full-time during the week. She was an amazing person.

A memorial service is scheduled for March 12, 2018 at the chapel at Lanier Village Estates in Gainesville, GA. In lieu of flowers, feel free to make donations to the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association or a charity of your choice.

The family would like to extend sincere thanks to Jane’s nurses and caregivers at LVE, Beth Turner RN of Pruitt Hospice, Susan Collins, chaplain of Pruitt Hospice, Dr. Mini Shivprasad, Dr. Christina Saurel, Dr. Dan Alexander at NEGMC and Dr. Nancy Wilson and Dr. Hamilton of Willowbrooke Court, and especially Reverend Richard Evans, of LVE. They were all instrumental in her peaceful, dignified passing.