Holden - Barbara Lee (Wilson) Beck, 85, of Holden, MA died at home on Wednesday, April 19th surrounded by her loving family.
Her husband of 58 years, Allen H. Beck, predeceased her in 2013. She leaves her daughters, Nancy L. and her husband Peter J. Pope of Jefferson, Beth Ann and her husband Stephen E. Carrigan of Worcester. Four grandsons, John A. Carrigan of Worcester, Michael A. Pope and his wife Melissa of West Boylston, William C. Pope of Silver Springs, MD, and Patrick J. Pope of Jefferson, Her brother in-law John W. Beck and his wife Jane of NY. She also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. She is predeceased by two grandsons, Andrew P. Carrigan and Christopher C. Pope, her sister Louella Winters, and sister in-law Joan A. Beck.
Barbara was born in the Bronx, New York on April 17, 1932, the daughter of Paul and Anna (Pflum) Wilson. She grew up in Rosendale, NY, graduating from Kingtston High School and then from Misericordia Hospital School of Nursing in New York City. In 1954, she married Allen and shortly thereafter started her family. After many years as a homemaker, she returned to her nursing career.
In 1970, Allen's career with the Hanover Insurance Company relocated the family to Massachusetts. Barbara became the Clinic Nurse for the former State Mutual/Allmerica Financial retiring in 1996.
Barbara was a faithful Episcopalian and a member of St. Francis Episcopal Church for 47 years, she served as a Vestry Member, Convention Delegate and was a tireless volunteer for all church fairs, functions and missions. Barbara enjoyed many years of travel throughout the United States and Europe with her family. As an avid theater enthusiast, she enjoyed years of performances on the Broadway and London stages and as a member of The Foothills Theater and The Hanover Theater. Along with her family she was also a devoted ice hockey fan, supporting the IceCats, and Sharks. Barbara perfected the art of shopping, mastered the art of entertaining but overall brought love and kindness to all who surrounded her, especially her family and friends.
Barbara's family wishes to thank all of the angels who cared for her with love and compassion, her grandson John, Dr. Sunita Godiwala, Mariah, Mayra, Betty, Benita, and Eric.
Family and Friends are invited to gather on Saturday, April 22nd at 9:15AM in the parking lot of St. Francis Episcopal Church, 70 Highland St., Holden to follow in procession to Hillside Cemetery, Sterling for a Graveside Committal Service which will begin at 10AM in the cemetery. At the conclusion of the graveside service all are invited back to St. Francis Episcopal Church for a Memorial Service beginning 11 AM.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Memorial Fund at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 70 Highland St., Holden, MA 01520 or to The Mustard Seed, PO Box 2592, Worcester, MA 01603.
Alfred Roy & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Hammond St., Worcester is directing arrangements. To share a memory of Barbara, or to offer a message of condolence to her family visit www.Royfuneral.com