Obituary of Carmel Marie Beck
Carmel Marie King was born in St. Johns, Newfoundland, Canada, on December 19, 1936. She was one of seven children born from the union of Patrick A. and Ann Marie (Cole) King. She would attend and graduate with the class of 1955 from Presentation Convent High School, St. John’s, Newfoundland. Carmel met the love of her life, Robert Lynn Beck, while he was serving at Fort Pepperrell Air Force base in St. Johns. On December 27th of 1958, they would be wed in a snowstorm that shut down the town! Soon after, the couple returned to Bob’s childhood hometown of Monroe, Michigan, and eventually built a home in LaSalle, Michigan, where they would raise their three children.
Carmel was employed as an insurance underwriter for over thirty years for various local insurance agencies, including: Dansard Little Insurance, A.R. DePue Insurance, and Insurance Center of Monroe. She retired in 1990.
Carmel lived her faith. She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, in Monroe, where she was involved in many ministries at the church. She actively prayed for friends and family daily. She inspired others by always giving thanks to the Lord for all of her blessings in life and reminding others to do the same.
Carmel became a U.S. citizen in May of 1985, and yet, remained very proud of her Newfoundland and Canadian heritage.
Carmel and Robert loved the warm weather. They spent their summers at Bird Lake, Michigan, at their daughter’s lake house. For many years, they escaped the harsh Michigan winters by spending their time in “sunny” Dunedin, Florida. They enjoyed spending time with their Florida family and spending many sun-filled days at Honeymoon Island. The couple received their spiritual nourishment in Dunedin by attending services at the Faith Lutheran Church in Dunedin, Florida.
A gifted and self-taught seamstress, there wasn’t a sewing disaster Carmel could not fix; from a loose button to a busted seam, she was creative and talented. Carmel was blessed with a steady hand, creating many masterpieces, from simple arts and crafts to designing quilts. Carmel was also quite active in visiting the local garage sale circuit or discovering a good find while antiquing. She enjoyed being outdoors and spending time with nature. Her favorite hobby was spending time with her grandchildren whom she adored.
Carmel Marie Beck, age 85, of LaSalle, passed away unexpectedly at 5:25am on Thursday, April 28, 2022, at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital. Her passing was preceded by her parents; one brother: Leo King; three sisters: Shirley Kozina, Kathleen Gibson, and Josephine King; and two children at birth: Deborah and Steven.
To cherish her memory, she leaves her husband of sixty-three years: Robert Lynn Beck; three children: Debra (Gregory) Thornton of LaSalle, MI, Roberta (Thomas) Dilkens of Lambertville, MI, and Brian (Gwen) Beck of Monroe, MI; two sisters: Lorraine (Thomas) Markowski of Pheonix, AZ, and Ann (the late Dominic) Delaney of Northern Bay, Newfoundland; a special niece, who was more like a sister: Margie (Gene) Plunkett of Cooper City, FL; eleven grandchildren: Megan (Lane) Zabawa , Nicholas Thornton, Kathryn "K.C." Thornton, Thomas (Kelsey) Dilkens, Kelsey (Brett) Anstine, Amanda (Matthew) Hiatt, Zacory Beck, Levi Beck, Haleigh Beck, Ilicia (Devin) Wiley, and Kellan Rios; six great grandchildren; many loving nieces, nephews, and loving friends, whom she considered family.
Friends may gather on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070. Carmel will lie-in-state at 10:00am on Thursday; May 5, 2022, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 323 Scott Street, Monroe, Michigan, 48161. Pastor Daniel Potts will lead the Celebration of Her Life at 11:00am. Cremation will follow through Covenant Cremation of Erie.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church. Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com to leave words of inspiration and comfort or to share a photo.
