Obituaries

Kathleen G.L. “Kippy” Beck, 68

July 22, 2018

Kathleen Goddard Louise Marian Beck, “Kippy,” of Lancaster passed onto eternal life, Sunday, July 22, 2018. Born in Columbia, she was the daughter of the late Goddard Frederick and Dorothy Marie Schickling Beck. She was also the granddaughter of the late William Dunbar and Elizabeth Goddard Beck and John Edward and Susan McCune Schickling. She was a sister-in-law to the late Lorraine M. Beck, BSN.
Kathleen graduated from J.P. McCaskey High School, Cabrini College, Radnor, with a BA as an English/Philosophy major with a minor in Secondary Education, and Millersville University with a MS in Education and a Reading Specialist Certificate. She taught English and Reading in area high schools and Millersville University, retiring in June, 2011 after 40 years of service.
Kathleen was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Church where she served as a lector and CCD teacher. She also attended St. Joseph Church, participating in Perpetual Adoration. She also served on the Diocesan Pastoral Council for the Diocese of Harrisburg.
Kathleen was a member of the Jane Austen Society of Lancaster and the Preservation Society of Newport County, Newport, Rhode Island. She also served as Judge in Lancaster Township for the Lancaster Bureau of Elections.
Kathleen is survived by six siblings: Goddard Beck, Jr. and his wife Willanne of Seattle, WA; Suzanne and her husband Keith Hoke of Lebanon; Francine and her husband Tom Moyer of Lancaster; Stephen Beck and his companion Jill of Lancaster; Thomas Beck; and Michael Beck and his wife Connie of Landisville.
She was a devoted Aunt Kippy to: Nathan and Sandra Beck of Sultan, WA; Evan Beck and his companion Callie of Sultan, WA; Megan, Kevin, and Hannah Cuff of Andover, MA; Dr. Molly E. Hoke of Princeton, NJ; Jonathan and Allison McMillan of Marlton, NJ; Jillian and Kyle Almoney of Millersville; Patrick, Sarah, and Kendall Beck of Lancaster; and John, Rachel, Sylvia, and Liam Beck of Indianapolis, IN.
The family would like to thank all of the nurses and doctors at Lancaster General who took care of our beloved Kippy.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10AM, Friday, July 27, 2018 at Sacred Heart Church, 558 W. Walnut St., Lancaster, PA. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Kathleen’s memory may be sent to Lancaster Catholic High School, 650 Juliette Ave., Lancaster, PA 17601.

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Condolences to the Family

December 30, 2018

I was extremely saddened to hear of Miss. Beck’s passing. She taught me Lanuage Arts support at Lancaster Catholic High School. She not only was a devoted teacher, she was a wonderful friend. She helped me in may ways and I fortunate to stay in contact with her over the years, following my graduation in 2004. I remember begging her to keep me on her learning support, even after I was no longer eligible for her services, because I enjoyed her company. She taught me many life lessons and always had the best stories. I looked forward to coming to school everyday to see her during my study halls. She always greeted me with the best smile and warm welcome. I loved her penmenship on every note, letter, and Christmas Card. It was beauitful! She was Beautiful. I am grateful to have met Miss. Beck. I could go on for hours expressing and sharing my memories and the impact she had on my life. I just wish I could have told her one last time, how much she meant to me. I love you Miss. Beck, you will be forever missed. 
My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
Madelyn Velasquez, Lancaster, PA

August 11, 2018

I was very saddened to hear of Kippy’s passing.  We were both members of Sacred Heart Church and students together at the school from second thru eighth grade (I went elsewhere for first grade).  She always had a smile on her face and I knew she would go far in life.  My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this difficult time.
 
Esther (DeMascolo) Gillett, Sun City West, AZ

August 01, 2018

I just learned of Kippy’s passing. The Beck family were our next door neighbors when I was a child on Walnut st. in Lancaster. My best friend at that time was Suzanne, and Kippy was her younger sister, who played with us often. I loved their family…I had an older brother and sister, and was so envious of all the fun sisters and brothers in the Beck family. They were always so nice to include me in many family gatherings. Francine was my mother’s nurse when she was dying at Homestead Village and was so very caring. I loved all of the Beck family and am so very sorry to hear of Kippy’s passing.
Cindy McCormick King

July 31, 2018

Dear Sarah and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time of loss.  May you find peace in the memories and find comfort in the days to come. You have our deepest sympathy. We love you Sarah and we are here for you.
Brad and Tracey
 

July 30, 2018

I am sorry for your loss.  Ms. Beck was a special person and had a huge influence on my daughter.  My daughter, Emily, was one of Ms. beck’s students at lancaster mennonite.  Because of a learning disability, many of the teachers, did not think Emily could be successful in college. but Ms. Beck believed in Emily and was incredibly encouraging to her to go after her dreams.  Not only did emily go onto college, but she is currently enrolled in Graduate school.  she has been living on her own for the past 2 yrs. in China!  
Thank you, Ms Beck! She made a huge difference to my daughter and countless other students.
 
Laurie Nejmeh

July 28, 2018

Sending our sincere sympathy to your entire family.  Kippy loved being part of your family and talked about each of you so dearly.  Thinking of you during this time of sadness  
Kiopy and I crossed paths in my high school days through a mutual friend and a life long friendship developed.  She was always kind, caring and compassionate. She was full of wisdom and knowledge and she always encouraged everyone to reach for the stars – anything was possible!  
Kippy will forever be in our hearts!
Love,
Vonnie and family

July 27, 2018

Dear Becks,
Doug and I were stunned and saddened to learn of Kippy’s passing. What a bright light she was to us and Doug’s mother. We fondly remember spending summer afternoons on your porch visiting with Kippy and Goddy in his later years. Always so jolly and so much fun. I know she helped so many students with her work as a reading specialist and I always thought what a great teacher she must have been. Our condolences to all of you for the loss of your beloved sister and aunt.  
Linda Weidman

July 27, 2018

Dear Beck Family,
I am so sorry for your loss.  I knew Kippy from Lancaster Mennonite as the Physcial Education  teacher and Field Hockey coach.  She touched many students lives in numerous ways.  She was a motivator for learning,reading and writing.  She helped both my children in writing essays and papers during their time at LMH.  Kippy definitely made an impact on their lives and gave them the confidence to pursue professional goals and dreams.  Kippy and I shared the love of reading and shared many of her books with me.  I will always remember her joy for learning and reaching all types of students during her time at LMH.  May the memories you have of her give you laughter and comfort during this time.  
Sincerely,
Karen Gyger

July 26, 2018

My condolences to the Beck family on the loss of their sister and aunt. I remember Kippy from Sacred Heart School days and from neighborhood play, as I was on Virginia Av while the Becks were across the back alleyway on Walnut. Having moved out of state when we reached high school, I lost touch with everyone. Memories survive, however, and it was wonderful to read these tributes to Kippy and have a glimpse into the person she became and to know how much she was loved and admired by so many. My heart is sad to hear of her passing, but it is clear she left her mark on her students, family and friends and that is a wonderful legacy.
Lynette Huth

July 26, 2018

I knew Kippy through volunteer work at Sacred Heart. I am so sorry that I did not have the chance to get to know her better. She was so interesting, so knowledgable, and so kind. We shared a love of books and history, and I enjoyed our conversations on a wide range of topics. I will miss her. My heartfelt sympathies to her family on the loss of this very special person.
Lisa Gasbarrone

July 25, 2018

Dear Beck Family,
Kippy and I worked together as IU employees at Lebanon Catholic. She was a warm and caring teacher who was truly gifted…had the ability to support even the most difficult and needy kids. They adored her. Most stayed in touch well after their graduation. As a counselor, I always appreciated those teachers who went the extra mile to support the kids – Kippy went miles and miles! One of a kind! Rest In Peace, Kippy, a life well lived and a person well loved!
Ann Miller

July 25, 2018

 
Beck Family,
 
There are many great memories of Ms. Beck that I have as a student at LMH. She was loved by so many students and teachers, as well as a great inspiration to all. Ms. Beck was a very motivational influence in helping so many students stay on track with their school work. She was also a great moral boast by putting things in perspective after a tough team lose too many who played sports at LMH. Ms. Beck had the gift of advice and the ability to talk to students to help them through school, sports, and personal life issues. Her classroom walls had endless items to make you think, and her care for each student was shown by the wall of pictures behind her chair of every student she taught. Her office was the stopping point for many to say good morning coming to school, hello between classes or good bye before she went home at the end of the day. Most of the time on nice days her door would be open and Ms. Beck would be in the doorway greeting all that passed by. Ms. Beck was an amazing teacher, friend, life coach to me and will be missed by the many she has helped over the years!
 
 
Student: D.T.
 

July 25, 2018

Miss Beck was my favorite teacher at Lancaster Mennonite High and I don’t know what I would have done without her. She went out of her way to help me with school work and gave me a lifetime love of reading and learning. I am sorry for your family’s loss.Cherie G. Craighead 
 

July 25, 2018

I had the honor of meeting “Ms. Beck” through my mom, Robbie Sue Gardiner, who worked at the IU #13 with her. Ms. Beck then ended up being the reading specialist at my high school, (LMH) during the time I was there. She was SO SO kind and caring- even sending me a card when I graduated college. I always enjoyed going to see her in her ‘classroom’ and talking with her. She was a one of a kind sassy lady who I’ve always held a special place in my heart for. I am So sorry to hear of her passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Thank you, Ms. Beck for touching my life the way you did! 
Johanna Gardiner

July 24, 2018

It has been one of life’s wonderful blessings to have Kippy as a friend for so many years.She was a woman with great wisdom and she had a generous loving spirit that she extended to all in her life. She will be greatly missed by those that knew and loved her.May she rise up with the angels and Rest In Peace. Farewell dear friend.
Mary Ellen Charniga 

July 24, 2018

I remember Kippy from Sacred Heart, Brookside our neighborhood.  We only have a 6 year age gap but when you are a kid that is a big deal.  Kippy was always so kind.  May she Rest In Peace.
Mary Lynn Hobday DiPaolo

July 24, 2018

I’m sorry to hear that she passed away.She was my favorite reading teacher  in really going to miss her.My prayers are with you all.

July 24, 2018

I always admired the Beck family and “Kippy”. She was in my class at good ol Sacred Heart School. I’m so sorry our paths didn’t cross at Millersville U. I was teaching in the English Dept. during some of those same years. What a wonderful, full life she had!
My thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Kathy “Kitch” 
 

July 24, 2018

Beck Family, Pease accept my sincere sympathy on Kippy’s passing. Many years ago the Beck family lived a few houses up the street from our family on Chestnut Street in Columbia. I had seen Kippy a few times over the past few years, and she was always so upbeat and very kind. May she Rest In Peace. 
Bonnie Wallick Schmitt

July 24, 2018

Kathleen was a charter member of the Jane Austen Society of Lancaster County.  She will be sorely missed by many and was a valued member. 
Kippy fast became a good friend.  I loved to talk with her about Jane Austen and other British films.  We shared the same passion for the shows on the Public Broadcasting network and the many British films out there.  In fact, it was Kippy who introduced me to the Horatio Hornblower series and Poldark (the first Poldark series). 
On behalf of myself and the Jane Austen Society, please accept our sincerest condolences.  She will ever be remembered as a bright shining star.  How very sweet she was.
Most Sincerely,
Genevieve Wimer, President – Jane Austen Society of Lancaster County 

July 24, 2018

Dear Beck Family,
I had the honor and joy of working with Kippy at Lancaster Catholic. She was a gifted teacher, yet so humble. She impacted the lives of countless students and colleagues in a truly singnificant way. Kippy had a knack for making whoever she was with feel special, whether it was the principal or a struggling student. I don’t throw the word “saint” around lightly, but Kippy truly was and is one. My prayers are with your entire family.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Stengel Alton

July 24, 2018

Kippy was a special lady. We worked together for 25 years at the IU. Had lunch together only a few weeks ago. She will be missed greatly. May the wonderful memories of shared times bring comfort and peace to her family and friends. 
With my deepest sympathies,
Carol (Musser) Ferris

July 24, 2018

To the Beck Family:
I recognized your sister’s name from our good ‘ole days at Sacred Heart and playing in your house on Walnut Street.  I am so sorry to hear this sad news.  Sue Beck Hoke, I have many memories.  Sending healing thoughts your way.  Patsy Heilbron Lavinia

Services
Friday, July 27, 2018
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
558 W. Walnut St.
Lancaster, PA 17603
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