Jeannette Marie Beck
March 10th, 1924 – May 8th, 2025
It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Jean Beck at the age of 101. She passed away peacefully,
surrounded by family and entered the kingdom eternal on May 8, 2025. Jeannette Marie LeMaitre
started life in St. Louis, MO born to Eleanor and Lee LeMaitre on March 10, 1924. She lived a long and
full life that was anchored by her faith and devotion to her family, and she graciously shared her love of
life with everyone she met. She was a favorite sister-in-law, aunt, and cousin among her family and a
trusted neighbor and friend.
She is survived by her daughter Barb Gaal, son-in-law Frank, her son Bill Beck II, daughter-in-law Nancy,
grandchildren Jenna Tervort (husband Greg), Jaime Gaal, Sarah Beck and Rachel Beck, and great-
grandchildren Jack, Asher and Henry Tervort. She is preceded in death by her husband Bill Beck, her
step-sister Carol Gilman and all of her immediate sisters/brothers-in-law.
Jean was born a survivor and continued that trend throughout her life. From her mother passing away
when Jean was 2 years old, to surviving the Great Depression and WWII, to surviving cancer and the loss
of her husband of 52 years, Bill in 2003. She was a consistent and loving presence to all of those around
her ranging from family and friends to neighbors to her church community and the community at large.
She was exceedingly kind and generous with her time, from volunteering at Atonement Lutheran Church
and School, to working with her new found friends at Hallmark later in life, to being a wonderful mother
in raising her children and often her children’s friends.
Jean loved spending time with her immediate and extended family, was known to be a great cook,
enjoyed fishing with her cane pole and was a great bowler. Her longevity in life was likely impacted by
her ability to walk almost everywhere she needed to go, as she never learned how to drive an
automobile. She will be greatly missed, however her love, patience, generosity, kindness and gentleness
will live on in the lives of those she touched while on this earth.
A memorial service will be held at Ascension Lutheran Church (5347 Donovan, St. Louis, MO 63109) on
Friday May 16, 2025 at 11:00 AM, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean’s
name can be made to the American Heart Association, or to Ascension Lutheran Church.
I have known Jean for a long time. Being friends with Barb in the neighborhood.
Jean always made you feel comfortable and welcomed in her home. I’m truly sorry for your loss.❤️🙏
Love this lady and 2nd Mom❣️She was always ready w/a smile and a hug! She was an inspiration in that not having a car was not stopping her from here she wanted to go!
She always had a snack ready when we came home from a nite ‘on the town’ ! You have finally made it to a well deserved rest in the arms of our Lord 💕🙏🏼
Boo boo
Lovely lady! My favorite memories of ReRe were Barb and I taking her and Auntie out every St Pats day to the pubs. They were so excited and so much fun. So glad I was home last month to see her one last time. Rest in peace beautiful lady! Cliffy
My Aunt Jean was such a special lady – so welcoming, loving and full of fun! I might have been about 5 years old when Uncle Bill brought her to meet us; (me, a very shy only child.) She was the most stunningly beautiful lady I had ever met – and she devoted the visit to teaching me how to play Tic-Tac-Toe – – and I kept winning!!! She enthusiastically told me, “ You are so smart!” I will never forget her loving nature. I’m so glad that my husband and I could visit her one last time, 3 weeks ago. Surely there are more hugs and laughter in heaven now.
I was Bill Beck’s childhood friend, living behind a house. His parents Jean and Bill were so kind. I literally saw them almost every day for the first 15 years of my life. Her passing is very sad. Bill, my family‘s heartfelt condolences go out to you, your mom was a great lady! She will be remembered.