Mary Verbanic Beck
formerly of Merrittstown
Mary “Mitzi” Verbanic Beck, 91, passed away peacefully Saturday, October 24, 2026, in Wilmington, N.C. Mitzi was born January 7, 1935, in Merrittstown to the late Joseph and Frances Durigon Verbanic. The eldest of three children, she grew up alongside her brother, Bart Verbanic, and sister, Frances “Bunny” Elliott.
In 1956, Mitzi married her high school sweetheart, Tom Beck, with whom she shared 45 years of marriage until his passing October 4, 2001. Together, they raised three children: Stephen Beck, Lorraine “Lori” Beck Dunlop (Steve), and Lisa Beck Ader (Alan).
Mitzi was a proud and dedicated elementary school teacher and reading specialist who devoted her professional life to educating young children and fostering a love of learning. She retired from Cardale Elementary School in 1993 after a rewarding career in education.
Outside the classroom, Mitzi was an avid reader with a particular passion for history. A devoted Pittsburgh sports fan, she enjoyed cheering on her beloved Steelers and Pirates. In retirement, she enjoyed traveling with her husband, baking for her grandchildren, and creating lasting memories for them.
Mitzi was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tom Beck; her daughter, Lorraine “Lori” Beck Dunlop; her parents, Joseph and Frances Verbanic; and her brother, Bart Verbanic.
She is survived by her son, Stephen Beck; daughter, Lisa Beck Ader (Alan); and sister, Frances “Bunny” Elliott. Mitzi’s legacy continues through her five grandchildren: Monica Beck-Williams, Stephen Beck, Jr., Jennifer Beck- Busch, Kristin Dunlop Callahan, and Taylor Dunlop Cleary; and eight great-grandchildren: Abby Beck, Jordan Beck, Odin Williams, Nova Williams, Ella Busch, Evelyn Callahan, Ava Callahan, and Remi Cleary.
Mitzi will be remembered for her dedication to education, her love of reading and history, her Pittsburgh sports loyalties, her devotion to her children and grandchildren, and the loving and lasting memories she created with her family that will be cherished for generations.
Mitzi’s family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 29, in the KISH-FABRY FUNERAL HOME, INC., 19 Legion Street, Republic, where Prayers of Transfer will be prayed at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 30, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in the Historic Church of St. Peter’s in Brownsville. Interment will follow in Lafayette Memorial Park, Brier Hill.
May she rest in eternal peace.
Condolences are welcome at kish-fabry.com