Beck, Mary

Beck (McGuire), Mary J.

Mary was born on February 2, 1936, the first daughter (3rd child) for John and Pricy McGuire. Mary graduated from Fairborn High School in 1954. Her dream was always to be a nurse. She was accepted into nursing school at The Ohio State University. During those days one had to pass a physical each year to stay in the program. Unfortunately, Mary failed the physical her Sophomore year and had to leave school. A doctor who was finishing his residency, Dr. Benjamin Cohen at the Ohio State University Hospital, and who was headed to the National Institute of Health heard about Mary's medical condition. He contacted Mary and her parents and said if Mary would become his test case at the National Institute of Health, he would get Mary enrolled at Alexandria School of Nursing. Mary graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing in 1958. Dr. Cohen continued to monitor Mary's health & kept Mary well until he died 10 years prior to Mary. Mary married William E. Beck in 1958 in Alexandria Virginia. Bill had just separated from the USAF and was headed to teachers college in North Dakota. Mary worked as a delivery nurse and only registered nurse in the local hospital. It was there that they adopted their first Daughter, Kim Suzanne. After Bill's graduation they located back to the Fairborn area. Mary became the school nurse at Five Points elementary school where Bill was a teacher. She also worked during that time at Mercy hospital in Springfield helping to deliver many babies. She eventually was present for the birth of many nieces and nephews and was God Mother to many. They eventually moved to Arizona for a short period of time waiting on an oversees teaching assignment. Before that assignment, they adopted their 2nd daughter Paige Elizabeth. That assignment took them to the Panama Canal Zone where Bill taught in the military school. They lived in the zone but Mary could not work there. She had to work in the Panama interior hospital. Not liking the condition at the hospital, Mary pursued a teaching degree at Wright State University. She returned to the zone and taught 1st grade for 25 years. After the long residency in Panama they returned to the states and located in Tallahassee, Florida. In Tallahassee, Mary worked as a substitute teacher and enjoyed all her many friends who were so dear to her heart. She was a faithful and devoted member of Faith Lutheran Church in Tallahassee. Mary was deceased by her parents, her loving Husband Bill and her darling Sister Diana. Also, her Brothers Jim, Jack, Ron and Dave. Brother-in-law Everett Chadrick, and Nephew Brandon Rondel. She is survived by her Daughters Kim Beck and Paige (Steven) Smith, 2 Grandsons, Matt and Abe Beck. She is also survived by her devoted Sisters Jeri Chadrick and Jan Miller, her loving Brother-in-law Jim Miller and Sister-in-laws Janice McGuire, Jeannie McGuire, Judy McGuire and Mary McGuire and many devoted nieces, nephews and cousins. Mary was a loving Sister, always seeing to her siblings needs and comfort. She was a devoted Aunt, especially to her nephew Lane and his family, taking Mary on many beach vacations. She went on Spring break with her niece Leslie and her friends. Mary was always ready for a good time. She loved her travel van and going on road adventures to visit family. She spent many Christmas's and summer camping trips with her Sister Diana and nieces Jennie and Courtney in Washington State. Mary was a devoted member of her class from Fairborn High. She stayed in touch with her best friend from the 3rd grade, Ann Rainbolt, a friend that was more like a Sister. Mary will live on always in all who knew her hearts forever. She lived every day like there was no tomorrow. She fought the battle and now she is in heaven with all her loved ones. Mary was a sender of cards. To remember Mary, drop a card to someone you know! Her family would like to thank Cherish Hospice, especially Glenn and Tasha and her caregivers, Kim, Faith and Reka. Please make donations to: Faith Lutheran, Tallahassee, Fl. In Mary's Name. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 P.M., Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at the Belton-Stroup Funeral Home, 422 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Rd., Fairborn, OH 45324. The family will receive friends from 11:00 A.M., until the time of service. Burial to follow at Byron Cemetery, Fairborn, OH.

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