Obituary of Beverly Ann Feehan

Beverly Long Feehan

Beverly Ann Long Feehan, former Miss Illinois, passed into God's hands Wednesday, November 21, 2018, surrounded by loving family, after a brief illness.  She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, devoted aunt and dear friend who represented the best in all of us.  

In 1927, Mrs. Feehan was born then raised in Joliet, the ninth and youngest child of John and Agnes Long, originally of St. Louis, MO.  She completed her primary education at St. Raymond's Cathedral School and her secondary education at JT Central, before attending the Joliet Junior College.  An accomplished vocalist, Beverly was in demand as a local singer, performing frequently on the radio.  

In 1945, she won the title of Miss Illinois and represented the state at the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City.  The win garnered her with a prestigious modeling contract with the Patricia Stevens Agency of Chicago.  She would continue a successful modeling career doing fashion shows, television commercials as well as print ads for a variety of national brands in such publications as Life, Look and the Saturday Evening Post.

In 1953, Beverly married her late husband, Joliet resident Thomas Feehan, who practiced law for over thirty years before being appointed an Associate Judge.  Her marriage to Tom was blessed with five children, Colleen Feehan-Richardson of Joliet, Kathleen George of Kennebunkport, ME, the late Thomas M. Feehan, Brian Feehan of CT and Kevin Feehan of Naperville, IL.  She is also survived by her brother, Robert Long of Joliet; brother and sister-in law, Joseph and Marilyn Feehan of Joliet; as well as ten adored grandchildren, Patrick Grizzard, Michael Grizzard, Kevin Grizzard, Kelly George, Brian George, Christopher George, Caitlin George, Molly Feehan, Brendan Feehan, Conor Feehan; two great-grandchildren, Holden and Austin Grizzard; son and daughters-in-law, Craig George, Linda Feehan, Gina Feehan, David Young; and multiple beloved nieces and nephews.

Always one to live life to the fullest, and born with an innate curiosity, Beverly was the first in line for any event, party or gathering involving her cherished family or friends, as well as being as avid traveller - whether walking on the Great Wall of China, strolling up the Champs Elysees, or visiting her ancestral home in Ireland.  And ‘in the lilt of her Irish laughter, you could hear the angels sing.’

Believing that it was important to give back to her community, Beverly was always active in area causes, including being a founding parishioner of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church and an active member of the Visitation and Aid Society, Joliet Area Community Hospice and many others.

Visitation for Beverly Long Feehan will be held on Thursday, November 29, 2018, from 3:00 until 7:00 pm., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Roads, Joliet.  Funeral services will be Friday, at 9:15 a.m., from the funeral home chapel to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 18 Woodlawn Ave., Joliet, where a Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m.  Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations in her name to the Joliet Area Community Hospice would be appreciated.  For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com