Marie J. Beck

Marie J. Beck, 96, of Rockford, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 26, 2023. Born on August 18, 1927, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, the third of eight children to Stephen and Marie (Specht) Miskowitz. Marie was a proud graduate of St. Patrick Catholic High School, Elizabeth, class of 1944.

Marie married the love of her life, Frederick H. Beck, in 1948. They were married for 64 years before his passing in October 2013. As a married couple they were residents of several cities in New Jersey, Long Island, NY, Erie, PA and finally Rockford, IL.

At an early age, Marie began working as a runway model in NYC and later managed the fabric departments at the Boston Store in Erie, PA and Marshall Field at CherryVale Mall before opening her own business Marie J. Beck - Fashion Fabric and Haute Couture. Knitting was a passion for Marie and she met some of her closest friends through this hobby.

Marie enjoyed traveling with her husband and friends. Memorable trips took her to Myrtle Beach, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Budapest, Medjugorje, Oberammergau (Passion Play) and several shopping trips to Ireland.

She was a long time board member of Caritas, a Catholic Charities Auxiliary, and was named Woman of the Year 1995 in recognition of her volunteer leadership. Many days were spent at the Food Pantry at St. Elizabeth’s Center. Marie was a dedicated volunteer her entire adult life.

She is survived by her daughter, Kyle (Glenn) Campbell of Indiana, PA and her son Jeff Beck of Loves Park, IL; her beloved grandchildren Derek Campbell of Indiana, PA, Jillian (TJ) Cournoyer of Garnet Valley, PA, and Kimberly (Nick) Singleton of Flowery Branch, GA; her beloved great grandchildren Campbell, Quinn, Avery Cournoyer and Travis Austin; her sister, Joan Pigford of Bath, NY and numerous nieces and nephews. Marie is predeceased by her beloved husband; son, Randy, her parents and six of her siblings.

Marie’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was a long time member of Holy Family Catholic Church and became a member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church when she moved to Wesley Willows. A visitation will take place on Friday, January 12, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral mass, 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Road, Rockford, IL 61107. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to make a memorial contribution may do so to Wesley Willows Good Samaritan Fund. The family wishes to thank the staff of Wesley Willows Hunt Terrace, E Wing and Unity Hospice who cared so compassionately for Marie. To send condolences or share memories, please visit www.Fitzgeraldfh.com