Nathalie Ruth Beck

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Thursday, February 6, 1941
Date of Death:
Monday, May 3, 2021
Age:
80 years old

Notes

The family is planning a private Celebration of Life in Pennsylvania.

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Thursday, February 6, 1941
Date of Death:
Monday, May 3, 2021
Age:
80 years old
Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Thursday, February 6, 1941
Date of Death:
Monday, May 3, 2021
Age:
80 years old

Nathalie Ruth Beck

Nathalie Ruth Beck, 80, entered her heavenly home on May 3, 2021.  Nathalie was born in Chelsea, MA to Ruth Mitchell Betz and Charles Joseph Betz.  She lived in many states during her childhood and graduated from Williamsport Area Community College in Pennsylvania in 1984.   Nathalie was employed as a well-loved librarian at elementary schools in the Williamsport area and then as an Administrative Assistant at Lycoming College where she worked for 16 years, retiring in 2001 as Assistant to the President.

Nathalie met her husband, William Beck, while both were abroad in Italy. They returned to the States, were married, and raised their family of three children in Pennsylvania.  They relocated to Rochester, MN in 2010.  Nathalie and Bill were married for 59 years before Bill’s passing in September 2020 and provided a beautiful example of devotion and uplifting partnership.  They cherished each other beyond measure.

Nathalie lived her life with joy.  She had a warm presence and sense of adventure that made others delight in knowing her. She showed social graces and genuine kindness to all, along with an endearing ability to laugh at herself.  Time spent with Nathalie made one feel cheered and cared for.   Nathalie gave high priority to the well-being of her family; she was wonderfully nurturing and wise, giving the best of herself to ensure the best for them.  Nathalie had the gifts of leadership and hospitality which she creatively and generously shared with her family, friends, and community.  With an unwavering Christian faith, she was an active member of Saint John’s-Newberry United Methodist Church in Williamsport, PA and Evangel United Methodist Church in Rochester, MN.  Nathalie hosted small groups, participated in Sunday School, held varied committee positions, and was an organizer of social and fundraising events.  Her enjoyments were many, including fostering dear friendships, traveling the world, making delectable food, setting a beautiful table, crafting stained glass, swimming laps in a pool, and decorating their home.  There was always a new project to be done or hobby to try and Nathalie could always charm Bill to happily assist.    Nathalie met life’s challenges with determination to make the best of them.  The most difficult she faced was being stricken with an extremely debilitating illness in her later years.   She handled this with exceptional grace and courage for which she is immensely admired.

Nathalie is deeply loved and will be profoundly missed, but memories of her good humor, bright spirit, and strength of character will continue as inspiration to all who knew her.  She is survived by her daughter Sheryl (David) Simon, sons Charles and William (Michele) Beck, beloved grandchildren Alissa (John) Zimmerman, Matthew (Katie) Simon, Lindsey (Chandler) Winkels, Andrew (Amy) Bubb, and Ian Bubb, and eight great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband.

The family is planning a private Celebration of Life in Pennsylvania.  Heartfelt appreciation is extended to Cottagewood Senior Communities and Heartland Hospice for their compassionate care.  The family wishes memorial contributions to be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.  Online condolences and remembrances are welcome at mackenfuneralhome.com

Condolences

The family of Nathalie Ruth Beck has received the following condolences.

Nathalie was a friendly, welcoming face in the President's office at Lycoming College. As Freshman Dean, I had many occasions to need a moment of Dr. Douthat's time and Nathalie always facilitated my requests. The Williamsport Sun Gazette obituary captured her personality, warmth, smile and sincerity.  May your memories sustain you.  

I fondly remember Nathalie and the Beck family from St. John's in Williamsport. What wonderful words of memory and honor for a lovely woman!


 

I'm conveying condolences from the children of Russell Beck (Bob, Nancy, Dave, and Greg).  I remember visiting Uncle Bill and Aunt Nathalie when they lived in Allentown PA and how much fun that was (okay, being able to stop at McDonalds for lunch may have also played a part in that).  When my oldest son, Dan, was looking at colleges, one was the PA. College of Technology in Williamsport.  Dan and I, along with Mom (Beverly), made the trip and stayed with Uncle Bill and Aunt Nathalie.  Since Aunt Nathalie was the administrative assistant to the president of Lycoming College at the time, she took us on a tour of the college.  She always went our of her way to accommodate others.  She will be truly missed, but the memories will remain.

Our deepest sympathy to the family. Nathalie was a wonderful aunt who had a deep caring and selfless nature.  May the memories bring you comfort in the days ahead.  God bless the family.