Carla G. Beck
October 25, 1937 – May 19, 2022
Carla passed peacefully at home on Thursday, May 19, 2022. Carla was born to Charles and Ruth Grutzner in Brooklyn, NY and was the youngest of three daughters. Sisters Wanda Nash and Anita Frankel predeceased her.
After graduation from Tappan Zee High School, where Carla was voted “Best Looking”, “Best Dressed”, and “Best Actor”, she came to New Paltz to pursue a degree in Early Education. In Pat and George’s Tavern, Carla met and married Ed Beck, and they had three children together: Michael (Jane) Beck, Lisa Beck-Simmons and Stacey (Ron) Leydecker. Five grandchildren followed: Kate, Mike and Kristen Beck, Brett and Daniel Simmons. Five great grandchildren came to become Carla’s reason for living: Kaleb, Kylee and Zack Simmons, and Miley and Carter Merritt. Carla also leaves heartbroken nieces and nephews, Donna, Liz and David Frankel, Kathy and Tommy Nash and Karen, Susan and Cheryl (nee Hohl).
Carla’s passion for teaching – 27 years at Highland Elementary – was all about her love of children. Some Highland alumni may still be running the bases backwards because of Mrs. Beck’s left-handed view of the world, but they adored her. Leaving teaching in 1996 for health reasons was difficult for Carla, but regret was quickly replaced by her love for her grand and great-grandchildren which she then had time to create stronger, more loving relationships with.
The beach, travel, volunteering at Family of New Paltz and gardening were other great passions. When asked about her willingness to undergo surgery for her treatment of cancer(s), Carla’s firm line in the sand was “only if I can still mow my lawn!”
When living alone became difficult, Carla graciously joined the home and loving care of Stacey and Ron, who remained her primary caregivers. Carla lived how she wanted, died how she wanted and all who met her were forever changed.
It seems the original Woodland Drive neighborhood is being rebuilt on some higher plane; to quote Carla in her final days, “It’s all just love”.
Memorial donations will be appreciated anywhere. Carla’s special fondness was for Family of New Paltz and Hospice of Ulster County. Or plant something and watch it grow…she’d love that too!
Arrangements will be held privately.
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