Margaret M. "Peggy" Beck

Margaret Marie (Peggy) Beck, 65, died September 3rd from complications surrounding early-onset dementia. Loved by many, she will be missed dearly. Her suffering is over as she now reunites with family and friends in heaven. Born June 28th, 1956 to biological parents unknown, Peggy was adopted and raised in Perry Twp by Patricia Ann (Pat) Warth of Massillon and Solomon Ralph (Bus) Beck of Canton, who adored Peggy and younger brother, Richard Gerard (also adopted) providing them a happy childhood, instilling the values of family and togetherness. Peggy proudly attended Catholic School for her early education, earning a H.S. diploma from Central Catholic. She continued higher education at Walsh University, earning a Bachelors in Communications, Masters in Public Relations and Communications at the University of Akron, and Honorary Doctorate in Sports Media. Loving the Academia environment, she transitioned from student to teacher, becoming an adjunct professor at several local colleges teaching classes in English Lit, Composition, Marketing, & Communications, areas in which she was passionate and proficient, until her illness no longer let her. Peggy always had a pleasant demeanor and found joy in all she did. She found fulfillment in life in just spending time with family and friends, and being an active member of her Parrish, St. Joan of Arc. She took pride in helping her brother raise his children, Edward, and Patricia, providing parental guidance, encouragement and celebrating their accomplishments as if they were her own child, of which she had none. Peggy especially enjoyed hosting holiday gatherings for the family. Her later years she especially enjoyed seeing Patricia's family Silvera, Keigan, and Iccess as they grew up. Although Peggy was extremely humble in regard to her greatest lifetime accomplishments she achieved thru intense effort and perseverance, she would always excitedly talk about these most cherished moments upon being asked about them, not to brag about her triumphs, but to modestly share her joy with others as being incredulous & in awe of being bestowed the honor of having the experience. The achievements she took pride in the most include the following: She had been asked on numerous occasions and she happily carried out this request to be a speaker at the Induction Ceremony of the Baseball Hall of Fame and at several other symposiums held at that venue throughout the years. She was selected to be Director of Promotions and Marketing for the Major Indoor Soccer (MISL) Team, the Canton Invaders, and continued this role for a few years. Several times over throughout the years, she was instrumental in procuring new equipment and vehicles for both the Canton McKinley High School soccer team and the Barberton Fire Department, due to her expertise and execution of writing grants and organizing fundraisers. But perhaps her most cherished accomplishments were getting to interview celebrities as part of the research she was doing at Kent State. These individuals, for whom she had the utmost respect and admiration, included broadcast journalist and political commentator, Anderson Cooper, who always strives to show all points of view of a controversial topic examining them in the same light; MLB Pitcher, Dave Dravecky, who continued to play after sing sections of muscle in his pitching arm from cancer; and legendary sportscaster, Bob Costas, who strives in his interviews to learn answers to the harder questions. Yet for all that, her most rewarding achievement was being able to give back to her mother the unparalleled devotion and love shown to her as an adopted child, by caring for her during her struggle with aging and her grief over family and friends; Peggy along with the assistance of next-door neighbors and a friend she made later in life Susan Dietz during the last years of her life. She never passed up a chance to help those in need, volunteered whenever she could, especially to care for canine companions of friends and neighbors while they were away. She always put others before herself or her career, altruistically providing comfort and care for ailing or dying family member, never begrudging her role. She enjoyed traveling, was a diehard Cleveland Indians fan (a love and pastime she shared with her dad), spent hours on her crafts (just like her mom), and had a penchant for baking, gardening, and painting (activities she picked up from and loved doing with her favorite aunt, after whom she was named, Margaret Mary (Peg) Warth.) Predeceased by her parents, her brother, lifelong best friend and confidant Debbie Algieri, numerous aunts and uncles, and many other relatives and friends, Peggy struggled in dealing with her grief from loss in most recent years. She is survived only by her brother's children, Edward and Patricia, and their respective families. Friends may call Lamiell Funeral Home (http://www.lamiellfuneralhome.com) in Canton, Ohio, (330-456-7375) for details regarding services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests to honor Peggy's memory with donations to St. Joan of Arc Parish (http://www.sjacanton.com) and the Alzheimer Association.