Racine- Beverly J. (nee: Wright) Hempel, age 80, found eternal peace on Thursday, February 6, 2014 at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center following a brave struggle with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Beverly was born in Racine on December 27, 1933 to the late Edward and Della (nee: Peterson) Wright. A graduate of Washington Park High School, she went on to have a successful career at SC Johnson Wax, a job she was extremely proud of at a company she truly loved.

A woman who was easy to please and who always enjoyed the simple things in life, Beverly was a phenomenal mother who dedicated her entire self to her family. She spent every available moment with her beloved daughter, Cynthia (John) Valko, of whom was also her best-friend. A part of Beverly died when Cindy passed away of pancreatic cancer on September 4, 2012.

Surviving are her sons, Randy Hempel, Tim (Joyce) Hempel and brother Ronald (Marie) Wright; adored grandchildren, John (Danyele) Valko III, Michael (Stephany) Valko, Christine (Andy) Spaulding, Sarah Hempel, Jaimi and Shannon Hempel and many cherished great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her special friend, Dorothy Bakke; and by other relatives and friends – too many to mention all by name.

In addition to her parents and daughter, Beverly was preceded in death by her sister, Penny; former husband, Jacob; and canine companion, Sassy.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated in the chapel of St. Monica's Home, 3920 N. Green Bay Road, on Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at 10:00 am with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Private interment will take place in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in St. Monica's chapel on Wednesday from 9:30 – 10:00 am. In honor of the wonderful home and compassionate support provided to Beverly in the past couple of years, memorials to St. Monica's Senior Citizens Home have been suggested.