Shirley Ann Beck

Shirley Ann was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who passed away on November 11, 2021 at the age of 86.

Shirley Ann was born and raised in Annapolis, Md. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School where she met and later married her husband, Rudy, in 1953.  Together they raised their family in Linthicum, Md, where she resided until 2019.  She spent the last 2 years in Ocean Pines, MD.  Shirley worked at C&P Telephone and later at Montgomery Wards as a bookkeeper.  Following the death of her husband, Shirley began her own business selling clothing, jewelry, and makeup.  She also worked in the hospitality/catering industry.

Shirley dedicated herself to the Linthicum Woman’s Club where she served as President from 2004-2006 and again from 2010-2012.  She was the chairperson of the Holiday Gala, Holly Mart, and Hospitality committee.  She was on the Literature Committee and Community Health and Volunteer services.  Shirley also managed the club’s College Scholarship Program for multiple years.  She dedicated much of her time to other philanthropic efforts including Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland, Hope for All, House of Ruth, Linthicum Decorating Committee, Concerts in the Park, and was a member of the Ferndale Garden Club.

Shirley was a tenacious reader as well as a fervent lover of history and travel. She visited all 50 US State Capitols and was fortunate enough to travel most of the world with her loving companion, Jack Scalzi.  She loved hosting family gatherings and maintaining family traditions, including opening her home at Christmas to share her extensive themed tree decorations.  But most of all, Shirley loved her family.  She never missed a grandchild’s academic or sporting event, sometimes driving from Ocean City to Elkton in one day.

She is preceded in death by her husband Francis Rudolph; Brother Stephen Gomoljak, Brother John Gomoljak; and Sister Catherine Donovan.

She is survived by her son Paul Beck, daughter Kathy Beck, daughter Anne Turner and son-in-law Donald Turner; son David Beck and daughter-in-law Kathleen Beck; daughter Mary Sheppard and son-in-law Kevin Sheppard.  She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Monday, November 29th, at 1:00 PM at Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 710 Ridgely Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Scholarship fund of the Woman’s Club of Linthicum Heights.  GFWC Woman’s Club of Linthicum Heights, PO Box 301 Linthicum Heights, MD 21090-0301.