Edith Mary Beckner

With heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Edith "Edie" Mary Beckner on May 10, 2026, at the age of 88, surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her two sons, Joseph Beckner and Steven Beckner; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and her five siblings, Charles Taylor, Josephine Lindell, Elaine Tucker, Eugene Taylor and Jim Taylor (Bandon). Born February 2, 1938, in Vancouver, BC, to Joseph and Edith Taylor, Edie’s early years on the family farm in central Alberta instilled in her the lifelong values of resilience, kindness, service to others and a profound calling to healthcare. At age 16, her family relocated to Madras, Oregon, where she graduated high school in 1955. She went on to earn her nursing degree from the Sacred Heart School of Nursing in Eugene, Oregon and received her Registered Nurse license in 1958. Edie began her nursing career that same year at Rogue Valley Memorial Hospital in Medford, Oregon. She later relocated with her husband to Gold Beach, Oregon, where she worked at Curry County General Hospital and began raising her family. Four years later, in 1964, she and her young family moved to Bandon, Oregon, reuniting with her parents. There, she initially worked at the Bandon Retirement Home. In 1965, Edie joined the staff at Southern Coos General Hospital in Bandon on a part-time basis, transitioning to full-time in 1968. Her leadership and dedication led to her promotion to Director of Nursing in 1982. She served faithfully in this role until her retirement in 2000, which she chose in order to care for her ailing father. Edie’s career and experiences in healthcare spanned decades. As Director of Nursing at Southern Coos General Hospital, her legacy includes key contributions to the design of the new Bandon hospital, as well as the development of its nursing and swing-bed programs. In recognition of her decades of invaluable contributions to the hospital and the local community, the Hospital Board honored her by naming the nursing wing the Edith M. Beckner Nursing Pavilion. Outside of her career, Edie was a woman of many talents and passions—an avid fisherman, accomplished painter, pianist, gardener, and loving grandmother. In the mid-1970s and 1980s, she created beautiful oil paintings of landscapes that invoked the peace and tranquility of nature. Her most famous painting, entitled Majestic Serenity, won the First Premium Blue Ribbon at the 1983 Coos County Fair. Edie was known for her kindness and selflessness, often looking after elderly neighbors with health issues in her small community. She touched the lives of many with her humble, gentle spirit, her laughter, and her unwavering dedication to those in her care. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her, as we cherish the love and kindness she shared so freely. More than anything, Edie cherished her siblings and found immense joy in caring for her children and grandchildren throughout her life. She enjoyed the richness of time with family, whether it was spent outdoors in nature or playing her parents' favorite music on the piano after evening dinner. As we gather to celebrate Edie’s beautiful life, we invite you to help us honor her legacy. Please scan the QR code below to share a cherished memory, a funny moment, or a meaningful lesson she taught you.