“Our Mom”
September 14, 1946-April 14, 2013
Maggie Joyce Beck Anast walked peacefully into her husband’s arms on April 14, 2013 after a life long battle with multiple illnesses fought with courage and determination.
Joyce was born to Jack Beck and Maxine Goodman in Glasgow, Montana. She was raised with the love and confidence of two amazing step-mothers, Dora West and Elsie Wagner Beck. Some of her warmest memories as a child were on horseback in Rough and Ready, California with her step-mother Dora, whom she always considered her mommy. She loved learning the Bible and was baptized a Lutheran, a Presbyterian and a Pentecostal all by the time she was 15 (she never could decide which was best).
Joyce met and married George Anast while he was stationed in Glasgow in the Air Force. They married November 13, 1963 and quickly welcomed the first of their three children, Denise. She was a great military wife, eventually settling down in Salt Lake City with her family, where she had two more children, Chris and Connie. She was baptized in the Greek Orthodox Church and raised her family in the Greek tradition. Her life was one of homemaking and service. She was a Pink Lady for Valley West Hospital (now Pioneer Valley) and was her mother-in-law’s caretaker in her battle with cancer. Joyce fought her own battle with cancer at an early age and faced her other ailments with confidence and strength.
At 31, Joyce went back to high school and completed her education. She thought it was very important to show her children that no matter what the obstacles, you must have your diploma. Her greatest joy in life was knowing each of her children graduated and continued onto successful futures. At age 44, Joyce was surprised to discover she was one of 11 siblings spread across the country. She enjoyed building relationships with her half-siblings Jimmy Pickett and Cindy Purcell.
Joyce was a gifted seamstress and costume designer. She was a whiz in the kitchen, making masterpieces out of whatever was in the fridge and could make a budget stretch in any way needed. We learned how to be frugal, but to spend money on the things that were important: our loved ones and our favorite charities. There were no less than 10 charities Joyce was giving to at any given time. She was a good “co-pilot” on long road trips with her husband and loved to dip her toes in the rivers wherever they went. She had a special affinity for animals, welcoming many canine companions into her home over the years. Joyce was proud of her Native American and German heritage.
She will be missed for her quirky wit, her radiating smile and her compassionate comfort for those in need. Her home was open to anyone and her love was unconditional. Her legacy will be one of strength and compassion.
Joyce is survived by her three children, Denise (Ray) Wayman, Chris Anast and Connie Anast (Lindi Inman), her “two girls,” granddaughters Sarah Ann Anast and Sarah Marie Inman. She is survived by many siblings, but most special brother Jimmy Pickett of Stroud, OK and Cindy Purcell of Kimberly, ID and their spouses, god-daughter Valarie (Danny) Lechtenberg, many nieces and nephews, mother Dora West and step-sister Brenda (Brian) Brown of Oregon.
She is preceded in death by her darling husband, George, her father Jack, her mother Maxine, step-mother Elsie, two brothers-in-law, Jon and Jeffrey Anast, and her dearest friend Vi Wardle. Joyce’s family wishes to thank Dr. Brandt, Dr. Wells, Dee Nendell, Debbie Hansen, Mary, Rita, Candice and the entire hospice team at Bristol Hospice Care for your loving support. Special love and thanks to Lisa Lanoue and Valerie Jacobsen for taking such good care of the entire family.
“Unable are the Loved to die, for Love is Immortality.” ~ Emily Dickenson
Trisagion Prayer Service and viewing will be held Wednesday April 17, 2013 at Valley View Memorial, 4335 West 4100 South, West Valley City, where family will receive visitors from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Thursday April 18, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 279 South 300 West, in Salt Lake City. She will be laid to rest near her sweet husband at Valley View Memorial Park, Veterans Lawn, following the service. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.valleyviewfuneral.com.
May Her Memory Be Eternal.
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