Mary Louise Beck 1933-2025

Mary Louise was born in Youngstown on April 21, 1933, a daughter of John F. and Florence Jane Hewitt McGovern.

Mary Louise, who was known as Mary Lou (Lou by many), was a 1951 graduate of Ursuline High School. She has faithfully served on the class reunion committee and was known for her record-keeping and notifying her classmates of upcoming events and important information concerning them.

She was a graduate of St. Elizabeth Hospital School of Nursing, Class of 1954, registered nurse. She worked at St. Elizabeth Hospital, then married, and returned to work after all the children were in school. She and her husband worked hard to give them all a great college education.

Mary Lou is survived by her loving husband, Frank Beck, of 70 years, whom she married June 4, 1955. He was her high school sweetheart and love of her life since her sophomore year at Ursuline High School. They had four beautiful children.

She leaves her husband, Frank; her children, Dr. M. Frank (Jennifer) Beck of Poland, Elizabeth Jane (Dave) Valle of Cuyahoga Falls and John F. (Ashley) Beck of Dallas, Texas; seven grandchildren, Lauren (Dustin) Hinkle, Timothy P.(Colleen) Beck, Thomas J. Beck, David J. (Kaitlin) Valle Jr., Kelly Lynn ( Michael) Kamlowsky, Megan (Jordan) Schroeder and Jack Beck; nine great-grandchildren, Harrison, Nora, Cassius and Teague Hinkle, Avery Valle, Indie Kamlowsky, Boyd Schroeder, James and Patrick Beck; many nieces and nephews; and dear, dear friends, neighbors and classmates.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Brian; and sisters, Florence Jane Hart and Margaret Bertin.

Mary Lou loved to visit Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Madison-on-the-Lake for many summers; her parents had a home at the lake and enjoyed so many years there. Our children also enjoyed many summers there when they were growing up.

She loved her husband and four children; they were her pride and joy. She was proud of their accomplishments, and their seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren were the apple of her eyes. Loved them all — “a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.”

As grandparents, we attended all the sports and dance activities for each and everyone of our grandchildren. Always there to cheer them on, give them hugs and kisses for wins and defeats.

She and Frank loved to entertain at their home. Family and friends were always welcomed. and especially enjoyed their annual Christmas dinner for family and friends. Their home was always decorated with many treasures that were accumulated through the years — truly a Christmas scene inside and outside of their home. They always remembered Christ on Christmas, with the Nativity set on the lawn in their front yard, and they made a birthday cake for Baby Jesus every year.

She would like to thank her children for all they have given back to Frank and her, hiring professionals to take care of the family home, lawn, leaves, snow and even a cleaning lady.

This made it possible to be as independent as possible as long as Frank and her were able.

The family would like to thank Mary’s physicians for their outstanding and compassionate care, Dr. Chris Economus, Dr. Nick Proia and Dr. Mike Scavina.

Friends may call 9 to 9:45 a.m. Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, at St. Catherine of Siena Parish-St. Charles Church, 7345 Westview Drive, Boardman, OH 44512, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made in Mary’s name to the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center, 1044 Belmont Ave., Youngstown, OH 44501.

Professional arrangements are by the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Boardman-Canfield Chapel. This obituary can be viewed and condolences sent to www.higgins-reardon.com.

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