Natalie Beck

Natalie Beck, age 87, of Downers Grove, formerly of Clarendon Hills and Wheaton, went to heaven on May 17, 2022, after living a very blessed life. 

An avid birder, traveler, and lover of all things western (especially music, Arizona, and Colorado), Natalie treasured her family and friendships the most. She stayed in touch with childhood friends from Wauwatosa, the University School, and the University of Arizona; many called Natalie, Nan, or Nanny, their best friend. She loved her Alpha Phi sorority sisters, reminiscing and laughing with them in Tucson during their 60th Reunion in 2017. 

After graduating from the University of Arizona, Natalie taught 2nd grade in Boston. While living in Wheaton, she worked at Lamps and Shades Ltd. where she made even more dear friends. In her free time, she loved playing tennis, participating in Bible Study Fellowship and the Marion Ct. Bible study, and visiting the Morton Arboretum. She treasured her time with grandchildren in FL and IL.

When Natalie and Jack moved into Oak Trace, she commented, “I didn’t realize I was this social a person.” She participated in many of the planned activities, joined the Food Committee, edited their newsletter, spent long evenings at the community puzzle table, and then settled in to play Words With Friends. She was determined to drive to Wheaton on Fridays to see her “family” at Urban Trend and Dr. Kolbaba’s office…and always did so while sporting a pair of her colorful Crocs.

Natalie loved God and her church family; she spent hours faithfully praying every morning while sipping her coffee. She prayed for family, friends, and even acquaintances she just met; then she prayed she would be a blessing to those around her. Classic hymns, musicals, and country music were often playing in the background when she was at home.

Natalie (Jack, deceased) is survived by her three children: Kearney Kilens (Terry), John E. F. (“Jef”) Wood III (Heather), Laura Magnuson (Alan); two step-children: Leslie Peckham (Don) and Jaqueline Bynsdorp (Kürt Weber); 10 loving grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and many caring nieces and nephews. Natalie was preceded in death by her husband Jack (2016) and younger brother Henry Fuldner (Barbara) of Fox Point, WI (2009). Her dear sisters Anne Flemming (Mason) and Jean Gorham (Charlie, also in heaven, 2022) live in Ross, CA and Mequon, WI respectively. 

Natalie’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 10, 11 am, at the Hinsdale Covenant Church: 412 S. Garfield St., Hinsdale, IL 60521. A time of fellowship and a light lunch will follow. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Morton Arboretum (https://mortonarb.org) or Craig Hospital (where Laura works) and their Alumni Educational Scholarship Fund to help those who have sustained spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries as they begin or return to college (Make A Gift - Craig Hospital Foundation (convio.net). Please mention Natalie Beck, Laura Magnuson, and scholarship.

*Natalie’s request: Please wear “happy colors” to her Celebration!

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Natalie Beck, please visit our floral store.