For more than 50 years, Rebecca Jane Desmond inspired students, coached tennis, and was an honored community leader in Downingtown.

She died in her home on Saturday, March 2, 2024. A Life Celebration is scheduled for Sunday, April 21, 2024, at 2 PM at Downingtown West High School, 445 Manor Avenue, Downingtown. Those attending are requested to wear all the colors of an artist’s palette to represent the many aspects of her life.

Desmond was born in Montgomery, Lycoming County on March 15, 1939. She was the daughter of the late Ralph Henry and Gussie Alberta Eisenhuth Casner. Her husband, H. Parry Desmond, died in October 2023.

She graduated from Kutztown State College in 1961 and has since received her Master’s equivalent from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. She began her 52-year art teaching career at Downingtown Junior High that fall staying there until 1968 when she moved to Downingtown Area Senior High School until she retired from teaching in 2014 when the tennis courts there were named in her honor. During her tenure, she managed the ski club for many years, coached girls’ and boys’ tennis for 40 years, and instituted the Living Arts Weekend, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Since her death, former students commented on the guidance Desmond imparted to them and the influence she had on their lives. Some of the observations:

• “Without her as my coach, I wouldn’t be the teacher I am today.”
• “No one like her, role model, mentor, and legend.”
• “What a legacy you created. You will be missed.”
• “Becky Desmond made me a better coach and more importantly a better human being.”
• “She made me work hard. She saw something in me I didn’t know I had.”
• “She supported me and encouraged me.”
• “Tough tennis coach but I’m all the better for it. Four years of wonderful memories.”
• “I took jewelry making with her. I went to art school. I work in jewelry because of her.”

Desmond received many honors during her life, including being inducted into the Chester County Sports Hall of Fame in 2017. Her devotion to tennis led to her co-authoring a book about tennis, Coaching Tennis Successfully. She was an active member of the U.S. Tennis Association and administered tennis leagues throughout the area. Additionally, Desmond was a founding member and president of the Tennis Collectors Association of America, a national organization that preserves tennis history and memorabilia.

Desmond was a certified United States Professional Tennis Association Master Professional, a certified United States Professional Tennis Registry Professional, an International Tennis Hall of Fame Educational Merit Award inductee in 1998, the first inductee into the USPTA Middle States Division Hall of Fame in 2007, a member of the PIAA’s Coaching Association Board of Directors for tennis, and was the first awarded U.S. Professional Tennis Registry, 2003 High School Coach of the Year.

Besides teaching the Downingtown tennis teams, and leading them to 15 championship titles, numerous individuals under her guidance have earned accolades and distinctions, notably one was on the national stage. She implemented recreational tennis programs for youth and adults in Downingtown and Kennett Square. Desmond held tennis professional positions for Downingtown Recreational Consortium, West Chester Golf and Country Club, and the Lionville Tennis and Nautilus facility.