On November 24 Jeanne Ruth Merifield Beck passed away at St. Peter’s Chedoke. Jeanne was the much loved wife of John Spencer Robin Beck (D 2006). She will be missed by her daughters Susan Nelson (John), Constance Rietkoetter and Jody Beck (Rob) and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Kate Eidsvick (Bruce) – Bjorn, Ella and Terje, Robin Perry (Clark) – Diana, Jackson and David, Tom (Sarah) – Liam and Annika, Matthew (Jenna) – Anika and Levi, Seth (Krystal) – Juliet and Claire, Sarah (John) – Avery and Mady, and Alex, Robin and Lindsay. Jeanne was born in Sarnia and spent her early years in Montreal, Calgary and Toronto. She was a graduate of Victoria University in Toronto (BA Hons. – History) and McMaster University (MA and PhD). After graduating from Victoria University, Jeanne and Robin moved to Dundas, Ontario where they raised their family. Jeanne began her career as a reporter for the Dundas Star, and after their children were all in school, she returned to work as an elected School Trustee for the former Dundas and Wentworth County School Boards. After receiving her PhD in history, she became a lecturer for McMaster University, and later an editor for the Ontario Historical Study Series, publishing 33 books on the history of Ontario. One of her greatest pleasures came from researching and writing. She wrote, “To Do and To Endure” The life of Catherine Donnelly, Sister of Service. Jeanne was an avid gardener, and loved music and art. She and Robin enjoyed travelling through Europe, Arizona and Florida and spending their summers at Sand Lake.
A service of remembrance will be held on Saturday, December 11 at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Anglican, 137 Melville Street, Dundas, ON. To attend Jeanne’s Service, you must show proof of double vaccinations and identification. The service will be live streamed as well. To view the livestream please click here
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to St. James Anglican Church, Dundas or the RBG.
Thinking of the whole Family and sending Love ,Prayers and Grace . I remember many dynamic discussions and delicious feasts around the Beck dining room table in my youth . Your Mother was blessed with three beautiful
daughters .
We have fond memories of both Jeanne and Robin when we lived in Dundas and met them at St James. They were both fine people and will be missed by family and many friends.
Dear Susan, Connie and Jody,
My deepest sympathy to you and your families. I remember your Mom when we were kids growing up in Dundas. Your parents and mine (Jean and John) would visit each other and I recall your Mom being so full of life and having so much energy – qualities to cherish. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
It was with great sadness that we learned of Jeanne’s passing. For a number of years Jeanne and I shared an office while graduate students at McMaster University so I came to know her quite well. Jeanne was always a warm, generous and gracious person and she and Robin welcomed me and then my wife to their home on numerous occasions. Over the years, as we went our own way, we drifted apart but Jeanne always remained a true friend.
Our sincere condolences to her family.
Tom and Carmen Socknat