Evelyn (Jacob) Beck, 93, of Danbury, died peacefully at Filosa Nursing home in Danbury December 12. She was born June 10, 1921, a daughter of the late Helene (Nassra) and Simon Jacob, in Iskenderon, Syria.

Her six children, Deb Linley, and her husband Rich, of Newtown, Ann Diker, and her husband Fred, Helen Nassra, and her husband Alex, Lou Beck, Sam Beck, Nancy Beck, and companion and Timothy Morse, all of Danbury; eight grandchildren and spouses who she adored, Michael and Liz Diker, Karen and Jerry Burke, Michele and Tom McDonald, Brenda and Kerry McKinley, Nicholas and Rachel Nassra, Tracy and Andy Ipkovich, and Brett Linley and Richard Linley; 15 cherished great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews survive Mrs Beck. Her husband Nicholas Beck and several siblings predeceased her.

Educated in Syria, Mrs Beck was very proud of learning to read and write English and becoming a US citizen. She was a great lover of the arts and always enjoyed music and going to concerts. She was an expert seamstress and also spent much of her time creating beautiful, intricate needlework. Mrs Beck loved gardening and worked tirelessly attending to an endless amount of fresh fruits and vegetables, which she prepared and joyfully served to her family and guests. She loved to entertain and her door was always open to visitors. Her family and friends affectionately referred to her as “the best Syrian cook in town,” and will always remember the delicious dishes she prepared and served.

She was a faithful and active member of St George Antiochian Orthodox Church for many years and a past president of its Ladies Society. Cooking for various church functions was a favorite pastime and she was known as a “nightingale” for her beautiful singing voice at church parties.

The Beck family wishes to extend its heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff at Filosa Nursing Home who gave Mrs Beck such loving care in her final years.

Friends and family may pay their respects Tuesday, December 16, from 5 to 7 pm, and Wednesday, December 17, from 9:45 to10: 45 am, at St George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 125 Kohanza Street, Danbury. The Rite of Burial will take place Wednesday, December 17, at 11 am, with the V. Rev George Alberts officiating. Interment will follow at Wooster Cemetery in Danbury.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St George Antiochian Orthodox Church.

Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, Danbury, is in charge of arrangements.