Nancy Lucille Beck

Nancy Lucille Beck, a beloved family matriarch, passed away on May 5, 2023, in Indianapolis, at 82. Born to George and Lucille House on June 12, 1940, her life began in the city, where it peacefully concluded. At the tender age of four years old, Nancy's parents took her to the theater to see "A Song to Remember," a biopic about the renowned pianist Frederick Chopin. This experience ignited a passion for music within her that quickly developed into an extraordinary talent for playing the piano by ear, effortlessly reproducing the melodies she heard. During much of her childhood, Nancy devoted her time to studying and playing the works of esteemed pianists such as Tychaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, and, of course, her enduring inspiration, Chopin. After graduating from North Central High School in 1958, Nancy embarked on a journey to the sunny shores of Florida, enrolling at the University of Miami. There, she pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in English while also deepening her passion for classical music. Along with her academics, she also balanced modeling engagements. At a photoshoot in Key Biscayne, Nancy caught the eye and stole the heart of a young photographer named Ron Beck. That day, he serendipitously captured the first photos of a love story that would last over 60 years. Nancy and Ron only dated for a few weeks before life took them on separate paths. Ron was constantly on the move for new assignments. Nancy graduated and became a first-class flight attendant, having global adventures and engaging icons like Lucille Ball, Martin Luther King Jr., and The Beatles. Because of Nancy’s layovers, she and Ron were able to keep in touch, which eventually led them to relocate to the vibrant city of Manhattan, New York where they lived just caddy corner from each other. After years of extensive travels and longing to be together, Ron proposed to Nancy, and they eloped on June 7, 1965. Their marriage lasted over 57 years, serving as a true testament to the power of commitment and enduring love. Nancy relied on her Christian faith and Bible study to persevere through many challenges, including battling cancer at 29 and again at 73. When Nancy lost her cherished young brother, “Georgie”, during the Vietnam War, she and Ron moved to Indianapolis to comfort her family. They remained there for 30 years. Nancy raised three children while simultaneously sharing her passion for music as a dedicated piano teacher, inspiring countless students on her treasured baby grand piano. In 2002, Nancy and Ron were drawn back to their romantic origins, settling into a beachfront home in Boca Raton near where they first met. For over two decades, this became a welcoming haven for family and friends, brimming with love, hilarity, and sun-baked memories. Lastly, Nancy had an endearing sense of humor, whose infectious laughter could light up a room and cause her to dash out, still giggling, when it became too much. Although her family teased that cooking wasn’t her forte, Nancy had a gift for actively listening, giving comforting hugs and snuggling up with loved ones during scary movies (even if her attempts at making buttery popcorn often resulted in burnt popcorn). She possessed a kind and generous heart, always willing to lend an ear and help others. Her legacy of love and humor lives on through her husband Ron, her children Deborah Noah (Richard), Ron Beck Jr. (Jessy), and Jennifer Herrero (Jose), as well as her seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was welcomed into the next life by her father, George C. House, her mother, Lucille House, and her brother, George J. House. Nancy, affectionately known as the Beck Family’s ‘lovable kook’, will forever dance on the invisible keys in our hearts, generously asking, ‘What song shall I play for you next?’ A visitation for Nancy will be held Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Crown Hill Funeral Home, 700 W. 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crownhill.org for the Beck family.