Holden - Gladys E. (Johnson) Beck, 89, passed away Monday, December 26, 2011. She was the widow of Dr. Robert N. Beck (d. 1980), Professor Emeritus, Clark University. Born in Worcester, she was a daughter of Margaret T. (Fahnstrom) and Carl E. Johnson. Gladys was a past president of the Leicester PTA (MA), and a member of the Clark University's Faculty Wives Club, Trinity Lutheran Church in Worcester, Nordic Lodge #611 - VASA Order of America, and the Scandinavian Women's Club.
She leaves two daughters and a son, Margaret E. (Beck) Knowlton and her husband, Richard B. Knowlton, of Gardner, Jo Anne M. (Beck) Gottcent and her husband, Dr. John H. Gottcent of IN, and Ronald N. Beck and his wife, Chizu F. Shiono, of Auburndale; 5 grandchildren, Kenneth Knowlton, Sharon Knowlton, Caryn Gottcent, Heidi Gottcent Kendziera, and Stephen Gottcent; and 5 great-grandchildren, Stella Gottcent, Nate Gottcent, Lauren Gottcent, Jada Gottcent, and Samuel Kendziera; as well as many close friends and neighbors. Her brother, William G. Johnson, predeceased her.
Services will be held Friday, December 30, 2011. Calling hours will be held in Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln St., Worcester, from 10-11 a.m. The funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 73 Lancaster St., Worcester. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the "Good Samaritan Fund" at Trinity Lutheran Church.
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