MARGARET D. BECK
May 29, 1920 - November 17, 2021
It is with great sadness that the family of Margaret D. Beck, 101, of Upper St. Clair announces her passing on November 17, 2021. Born May 29, 1920, in Valparaiso, IN to Rena (Swanson) and Eugene D. Hempel. She was very proud of her heritage and would often boast about the inventions and hard work of her ancestors. Margaret spent her childhood in Belleville, IL, with her "Irish twin" sister, Virginia and her brother, Eugene (who later became an accomplished artist and Yosemite Park Ranger). She enjoyed playing the mandolin and piano, her dog, Fluffy and traveling to Estes Park in the summers with her cousins. Margaret attended Northwestern University, where she did not like the COLD but did develop lifelong friendships in the Tri Delt Sorority, which she remained active throughout her life as an alum officer and Panhellenic Representative. She also continued to pursue her musical interests and her love of dance. After graduation her loyalty to family took her to California to live with her sister where her uncle introduced her to Lt. Commander Max Beck, a Navy Chaplain on leave for the holidays. The two married and traveled the world. Margaret often had to travel alone in a rental car meeting him all over Europe in his ports. When she was not traveling, she was "Flipping" houses and editing radio speeches for a well-known Political commentator, Wayne Poucher. Margaret and Max then settled in Norfolk, VA where they bought a house that gave Margaret her first opportunity to achieve an HGTV-worthy renovation. Their home became popular on house tours and sites for charity events which Margaret happily hosted. She joined the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club where she played tennis. Margaret was always very competitive and even made her husband go on Beat the Clock; he went along because they always had fun. She loved to entertain, especially when it meant bringing out her prized punch bowl with its impressive set of 50 cups. This also gave her the opportunity to use her large collection of Antique Cups and Saucers and Dessert plates – no two were alike but she said that made it interesting. Her home renovation success piqued her interest in real estate so after her husband retired, they settled in Upper St Clair where she obtained her real estate license and worked for Bob Massie selling and staging houses. Margaret had an eye for detail – every Holiday season she would like to go to Phipps to see the miniature train exhibit – she would just sit and watch while commenting on every little detail. Max and Margaret were members of St Clair Country Club where she represented them on their paddle tennis team. Always active. Margaret continued to travel with her daughters making sure they saw as much of the world as possible. She was clearly ahead of her time in more ways than one. She always did immense research on natural medicine, herbs and healthy eating and adopted a healthy -living life style that would impress today's health gurus. Margaret also loved working in her yard, in fact in her 90's her neighbors would often call her daughter to report "your mother is raking". Of course, her daughter didn't flinch knowing they would soon be taking many trips despite her age – Margaret never wanted to stop traveling, her favorite part of traveling was meeting new people on her journeys. She even stated that she wished she was younger so she could remain friends with those she met. Her love of travel continued to the end. At the age of 100, she experienced the beauty of Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon and Lake Meade. At the age of 101, she took in the splendor of Niagara Falls, their beauty matched only by the beauty in the sparkling ever-changing color of Margaret's eyes, her radiant smile that would light up any room and her incredible wit that reflected her inner magic. Margaret would rarely be seen without a hat and her lipstick and a cup of green tea, with a straw no matter how hot. Most recently she could often be seen sitting on her patio or anywhere there was "sunshine" – she loved to feel the warmth of the sun on her face even if it was just in a parked car. The family is grateful to the dedicated caregivers and physical therapists who cared for her in the last few years. Especially her orthopedic doctor who kept her walking and dancing long after others gave up. She was preceded in death by her husband, Retired Navy Comdr. Chaplain, Max G. Beck. Margaret will be greatly missed by all that knew her but know that she is smiling, singing and dancing with the angels. Friends will be received at the JOHN F. SLATER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Friday, December 3, 2021, from 4-8 pm at which time a prayer will be held. Margaret will be laid to rest alongside her husband in Arlington National Cemetery.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Published on December 1, 2021
May 29, 1920 - November 17, 2021
It is with great sadness that the family of Margaret D. Beck, 101, of Upper St. Clair announces her passing on November 17, 2021. Born May 29, 1920, in Valparaiso, IN to Rena (Swanson) and Eugene D. Hempel. She was very proud of her heritage and would often boast about the inventions and hard work of her ancestors. Margaret spent her childhood in Belleville, IL, with her "Irish twin" sister, Virginia and her brother, Eugene (who later became an accomplished artist and Yosemite Park Ranger). She enjoyed playing the mandolin and piano, her dog, Fluffy and traveling to Estes Park in the summers with her cousins. Margaret attended Northwestern University, where she did not like the COLD but did develop lifelong friendships in the Tri Delt Sorority, which she remained active throughout her life as an alum officer and Panhellenic Representative. She also continued to pursue her musical interests and her love of dance. After graduation her loyalty to family took her to California to live with her sister where her uncle introduced her to Lt. Commander Max Beck, a Navy Chaplain on leave for the holidays. The two married and traveled the world. Margaret often had to travel alone in a rental car meeting him all over Europe in his ports. When she was not traveling, she was "Flipping" houses and editing radio speeches for a well-known Political commentator, Wayne Poucher. Margaret and Max then settled in Norfolk, VA where they bought a house that gave Margaret her first opportunity to achieve an HGTV-worthy renovation. Their home became popular on house tours and sites for charity events which Margaret happily hosted. She joined the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club where she played tennis. Margaret was always very competitive and even made her husband go on Beat the Clock; he went along because they always had fun. She loved to entertain, especially when it meant bringing out her prized punch bowl with its impressive set of 50 cups. This also gave her the opportunity to use her large collection of Antique Cups and Saucers and Dessert plates – no two were alike but she said that made it interesting. Her home renovation success piqued her interest in real estate so after her husband retired, they settled in Upper St Clair where she obtained her real estate license and worked for Bob Massie selling and staging houses. Margaret had an eye for detail – every Holiday season she would like to go to Phipps to see the miniature train exhibit – she would just sit and watch while commenting on every little detail. Max and Margaret were members of St Clair Country Club where she represented them on their paddle tennis team. Always active. Margaret continued to travel with her daughters making sure they saw as much of the world as possible. She was clearly ahead of her time in more ways than one. She always did immense research on natural medicine, herbs and healthy eating and adopted a healthy -living life style that would impress today's health gurus. Margaret also loved working in her yard, in fact in her 90's her neighbors would often call her daughter to report "your mother is raking". Of course, her daughter didn't flinch knowing they would soon be taking many trips despite her age – Margaret never wanted to stop traveling, her favorite part of traveling was meeting new people on her journeys. She even stated that she wished she was younger so she could remain friends with those she met. Her love of travel continued to the end. At the age of 100, she experienced the beauty of Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon and Lake Meade. At the age of 101, she took in the splendor of Niagara Falls, their beauty matched only by the beauty in the sparkling ever-changing color of Margaret's eyes, her radiant smile that would light up any room and her incredible wit that reflected her inner magic. Margaret would rarely be seen without a hat and her lipstick and a cup of green tea, with a straw no matter how hot. Most recently she could often be seen sitting on her patio or anywhere there was "sunshine" – she loved to feel the warmth of the sun on her face even if it was just in a parked car. The family is grateful to the dedicated caregivers and physical therapists who cared for her in the last few years. Especially her orthopedic doctor who kept her walking and dancing long after others gave up. She was preceded in death by her husband, Retired Navy Comdr. Chaplain, Max G. Beck. Margaret will be greatly missed by all that knew her but know that she is smiling, singing and dancing with the angels. Friends will be received at the JOHN F. SLATER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Friday, December 3, 2021, from 4-8 pm at which time a prayer will be held. Margaret will be laid to rest alongside her husband in Arlington National Cemetery.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Published on December 1, 2021
MARGARET D. BECK
May 29, 1920 - November 17, 2021
It is with great sadness that the family of Margaret D. Beck, 101, of Upper St. Clair announces her passing on November 17, 2021. Born May 29, 1920, in Valparaiso, IN to Rena (Swanson) and Eugene D. Hempel. She was very proud of her heritage and would often boast about the inventions and hard work of her ancestors. Margaret spent her childhood in Belleville, IL, with her "Irish twin" sister, Virginia and her brother, Eugene (who later became an accomplished artist and Yosemite Park Ranger). She enjoyed playing the mandolin and piano, her dog, Fluffy and traveling to Estes Park in the summers with her cousins. Margaret attended Northwestern University, where she did not like the COLD but did develop lifelong friendships in the Tri Delt Sorority, which she remained active throughout her life as an alum officer and Panhellenic Representative. She also continued to pursue her musical interests and her love of dance. After graduation her loyalty to family took her to California to live with her sister where her uncle introduced her to Lt. Commander Max Beck, a Navy Chaplain on leave for the holidays. The two married and traveled the world. Margaret often had to travel alone in a rental car meeting him all over Europe in his ports. When she was not traveling, she was "Flipping" houses and editing radio speeches for a well-known Political commentator, Wayne Poucher. Margaret and Max then settled in Norfolk, VA where they bought a house that gave Margaret her first opportunity to achieve an HGTV-worthy renovation. Their home became popular on house tours and sites for charity events which Margaret happily hosted. She joined the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club where she played tennis. Margaret was always very competitive and even made her husband go on Beat the Clock; he went along because they always had fun. She loved to entertain, especially when it meant bringing out her prized punch bowl with its impressive set of 50 cups. This also gave her the opportunity to use her large collection of Antique Cups and Saucers and Dessert plates – no two were alike but she said that made it interesting. Her home renovation success piqued her interest in real estate so after her husband retired, they settled in Upper St Clair where she obtained her real estate license and worked for Bob Massie selling and staging houses. Margaret had an eye for detail – every Holiday season she would like to go to Phipps to see the miniature train exhibit – she would just sit and watch while commenting on every little detail. Max and Margaret were members of St Clair Country Club where she represented them on their paddle tennis team. Always active. Margaret continued to travel with her daughters making sure they saw as much of the world as possible. She was clearly ahead of her time in more ways than one. She always did immense research on natural medicine, herbs and healthy eating and adopted a healthy -living life style that would impress today's health gurus. Margaret also loved working in her yard, in fact in her 90's her neighbors would often call her daughter to report "your mother is raking". Of course, her daughter didn't flinch knowing they would soon be taking many trips despite her age – Margaret never wanted to stop traveling, her favorite part of traveling was meeting new people on her journeys. She even stated that she wished she was younger so she could remain friends with those she met. Her love of travel continued to the end. At the age of 100, she experienced the beauty of Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon and Lake Meade. At the age of 101, she took in the splendor of Niagara Falls, their beauty matched only by the beauty in the sparkling ever-changing color of Margaret's eyes, her radiant smile that would light up any room and her incredible wit that reflected her inner magic. Margaret would rarely be seen without a hat and her lipstick and a cup of green tea, with a straw no matter how hot. Most recently she could often be seen sitting on her patio or anywhere there was "sunshine" – she loved to feel the warmth of the sun on her face even if it was just in a parked car. The family is grateful to the dedicated caregivers and physical therapists who cared for her in the last few years. Especially her orthopedic doctor who kept her walking and dancing long after others gave up. She was preceded in death by her husband, Retired Navy Comdr. Chaplain, Max G. Beck. Margaret will be greatly missed by all that knew her but know that she is smiling, singing and dancing with the angels. Friends will be received at the JOHN F. SLATER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Friday, December 3, 2021, from 4-8 pm at which time a prayer will be held. Margaret will be laid to rest alongside her husband in Arlington National Cemetery.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Published on December 1, 2021
May 29, 1920 - November 17, 2021
It is with great sadness that the family of Margaret D. Beck, 101, of Upper St. Clair announces her passing on November 17, 2021. Born May 29, 1920, in Valparaiso, IN to Rena (Swanson) and Eugene D. Hempel. She was very proud of her heritage and would often boast about the inventions and hard work of her ancestors. Margaret spent her childhood in Belleville, IL, with her "Irish twin" sister, Virginia and her brother, Eugene (who later became an accomplished artist and Yosemite Park Ranger). She enjoyed playing the mandolin and piano, her dog, Fluffy and traveling to Estes Park in the summers with her cousins. Margaret attended Northwestern University, where she did not like the COLD but did develop lifelong friendships in the Tri Delt Sorority, which she remained active throughout her life as an alum officer and Panhellenic Representative. She also continued to pursue her musical interests and her love of dance. After graduation her loyalty to family took her to California to live with her sister where her uncle introduced her to Lt. Commander Max Beck, a Navy Chaplain on leave for the holidays. The two married and traveled the world. Margaret often had to travel alone in a rental car meeting him all over Europe in his ports. When she was not traveling, she was "Flipping" houses and editing radio speeches for a well-known Political commentator, Wayne Poucher. Margaret and Max then settled in Norfolk, VA where they bought a house that gave Margaret her first opportunity to achieve an HGTV-worthy renovation. Their home became popular on house tours and sites for charity events which Margaret happily hosted. She joined the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club where she played tennis. Margaret was always very competitive and even made her husband go on Beat the Clock; he went along because they always had fun. She loved to entertain, especially when it meant bringing out her prized punch bowl with its impressive set of 50 cups. This also gave her the opportunity to use her large collection of Antique Cups and Saucers and Dessert plates – no two were alike but she said that made it interesting. Her home renovation success piqued her interest in real estate so after her husband retired, they settled in Upper St Clair where she obtained her real estate license and worked for Bob Massie selling and staging houses. Margaret had an eye for detail – every Holiday season she would like to go to Phipps to see the miniature train exhibit – she would just sit and watch while commenting on every little detail. Max and Margaret were members of St Clair Country Club where she represented them on their paddle tennis team. Always active. Margaret continued to travel with her daughters making sure they saw as much of the world as possible. She was clearly ahead of her time in more ways than one. She always did immense research on natural medicine, herbs and healthy eating and adopted a healthy -living life style that would impress today's health gurus. Margaret also loved working in her yard, in fact in her 90's her neighbors would often call her daughter to report "your mother is raking". Of course, her daughter didn't flinch knowing they would soon be taking many trips despite her age – Margaret never wanted to stop traveling, her favorite part of traveling was meeting new people on her journeys. She even stated that she wished she was younger so she could remain friends with those she met. Her love of travel continued to the end. At the age of 100, she experienced the beauty of Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon and Lake Meade. At the age of 101, she took in the splendor of Niagara Falls, their beauty matched only by the beauty in the sparkling ever-changing color of Margaret's eyes, her radiant smile that would light up any room and her incredible wit that reflected her inner magic. Margaret would rarely be seen without a hat and her lipstick and a cup of green tea, with a straw no matter how hot. Most recently she could often be seen sitting on her patio or anywhere there was "sunshine" – she loved to feel the warmth of the sun on her face even if it was just in a parked car. The family is grateful to the dedicated caregivers and physical therapists who cared for her in the last few years. Especially her orthopedic doctor who kept her walking and dancing long after others gave up. She was preceded in death by her husband, Retired Navy Comdr. Chaplain, Max G. Beck. Margaret will be greatly missed by all that knew her but know that she is smiling, singing and dancing with the angels. Friends will be received at the JOHN F. SLATER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Friday, December 3, 2021, from 4-8 pm at which time a prayer will be held. Margaret will be laid to rest alongside her husband in Arlington National Cemetery.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Published on December 1, 2021
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