BREWER – Sally Ann Beck, 72, died Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011. She was born Aug. 31, 1938, in Ashland, the daughter of Ralph K. and Alice H. Baxter. Sally was a graduate of Ashland Community High School, Hartford Hospital School of Nursing and the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, N.M. She worked at Hartford Hospital; Camp Wenonah, Naples; and Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center in New Hampshire, before joining the U.S. Air Force Nurse Corps. Sally spent three and one half years at Amarillo. She was married to her husband, Billy J. Beck, in 1962. After the death of her husband Sally returned to Maine in 1973 with two young children. She was self-employed as a nurse for several years. In 1988 she took a job at Eastern Maine Technical College, where she worked for more than 12 years in the academic affairs office. Sally attended First Congregational Church, Brewer, where she taught Sunday school and served as secretary, newsletter editor and member of the Christian education, mission and music committees. She was an original member of the handbell choir, and also performed many handbell solos and duets. When her children were young she took them on many camping trips, as well as vacations to Washington, D.C., Boston, Amish country, Florida and California. She loved the outdoors, gardening, crafts, music, reading and skiing. Sally is survived by her son, Eugene B. Beck of Bangor; daughter, Krista N. Beck of Raleigh, N.C.; siblings, Ralph Baxter of South Portland, Helen Roper of Olivehurst, Calif., and David Baxter of Bangor; several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Billy J. Beck, in 1972. A celebration of Sally’s life will be held 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21, at First Congregational Church, Brewer, with the Rev. Grace Bartlett, pastor, officiating. Those wishing to remember Sally in a special way may make gifts in her name to the music program of First Congregational Church, 35 Church St., Brewer, ME 04412 or a charity of your choice. A service of Brookings-Smith, Brewer Chapel, 55 South Main St., Brewer. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.
SALLY ANN BECK
