Beatrice Marie Boland

(nee Rodriguez)

Age 84, of Lockport, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026, in Clearwater, Florida surrounded by her loving family. She was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother, her memory will forever live on in those that she loved.

Beatrice was born July 16, 1941, in Joliet, Illinois, to Julius and Mary Rodriguez. She graduated from Sacred Heart School (now St. Dennis School) in Lockport, IL in 1955 and, in 1959, graduated valedictorian from the original Providence High School in Joliet and was hired by MIC, a division of General Motors. While teaching the Catholic faith to migrant workers, she met Patrick Boland of Lockport; they married July 3, 1965, and had two children. She attended Joliet Junior College and Lewis College and served as Religious Education Coordinator for St. Jude Parish in New Lenox in the 1970s. She earned a bachelor's degree in education from William Paterson College in New Jersey and taught in Catholic schools in New Jersey and Connecticut for over 25 years. In the late 1980s, she worked as a paralegal in New York City. A devoted teacher, role model, and practicing Catholic, Beatrice touched countless lives with patience, compassion, and wisdom. Above all, Beatrice cherished her family and left behind a legacy of faith, learning, and love.

She is survived by her husband, Patrick Boland; her children, Edward Boland and Juliette Russell; her grandchildren, Laura Lavish, Alessandra Prioli, Natalie Russell, Alexander Boland, Gavin Boland, and Spencer Boland; and her sister, Rita McFarland.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Julius and Mary (nee Diaz) Rodriguez; and her brothers, Julius Rodriguez in infancy, Fred Rodriguez, Henry Rodriguez, and Alfie Rodriguez.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, at St. Dennis Catholic Church 1214 S. Hamilton St. Lockport, IL 60441 from 10:00am until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am. Interment following Mass at Calvary Cemetery, Lockport.