Gwendolyn Worthy Brown, 86, ended her long battle with MS and subsequent 2019 stroke on Sunday, July 9th, 2023 at Broadview Adult Family Home in Seattle. She is survived by her son and wife, Michael and Megan Beckman; her daughter and husband, Paula and Gary Reynolds; and her grandson, Dylan Reynolds.
Gwennie was born April 14th, 1937 in Norfolk Virginia to Frances “Fran” Evelyn Worthy from Charleston and Edward Bunyan Brown of Manning South Carolina, a graduate of the Citadel and eventually a Naval Captain.
She attended Garfield High School, and the University of Washington where she received the accolade of honorary Freshman. Although she didn’t complete studies at UW. In 1957 she married Richard Vern Beckman (deceased, August, 2022) who worked at Boeing as an Aeronautical Engineer. They had two children together Michael and Paula. After 17 years of marriage, they went their separate ways but remained friends.
Gwennie eventually attended Bellevue Community College and got her nursing and psychology degrees working in the field for a number of years.
Her real passion since childhood was art. She studied her craft starting in 1945 at several private and public studios and began showing her work in 1968 at establishments such as the Frye Art Museum, Gail Chase Gallery, Panaca Gallery, Bellevue Arts and Crafts Fair, Junior League (Artist of the Month), Henry Art Gallery, and many others. She created art every day that she was physically able. She was extremely prolific during her retirement years creating wonderful and whimsical pieces. She was a true talent!
In the 1990s, Gwennie reconnected with an elementary schoolmate, Reilly Atkinson at a class reunion and struck up a partnership and friendship that lasted the rest of her life.
In the 80s and 90s, Gwennie worked as a flight attendant for United Airlines, then Wein Air, then Alaska Airlines. She loved being on the aircraft and having adventures with her beloved crew members. She always talked about this time fondly.
We will miss her tenacious spirit, loving support and beautiful face. There is a big hole in the lives of those who knew her.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the family.
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