Ertem Merey Beckman

DEWITTVILLE — Ertem Merey Beckman, 94, of Dewittville, NY, passed away at her home on Thursday, August 21, 2025.

     She was born February 18, 1931, in Istanbul, Turkey, the daughter of the late Necdet and Kamuran Ozer Merey.

     She graduated from the American College for Girls in Istanbul in 1952. She received a scholarship to Mount Holyoke College in the U.S., where she spent one year before transferring to Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA, where she earned a Master of Library Science (MLS).

     Ertem married Robert Beckman in 1955, and together they welcomed three children into their home. For much of their married life, Robert and Ertem lived abroad in several countries including Indonesia, India, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. No matter where they settled, Ertem always created a loving, nurturing home where she encouraged her children to pursue their goals.

     In 1986, Robert and Ertem reestablished their roots in Point Chautauqua, western New York, where Robert had grown up. Ertem, an environmentalist, was a founding member of the Point Chautauqua Historical Society. She was well versed in the history of Point Chautauqua and had extensive expertise in Frederick Law Olmsted’s contributions to its design. Ertem was also a passionate advocate for social justice, participating in several marches. With a love of reading, she delighted in solving New York Times crossword puzzles. When she was not traveling, she could often be found in her garden. Most of all, Ertem adored her grandchildren and cherished time spent at the family homestead surrounded by her loved ones.

     She is survived by two sons, Peter (Kendall) Beckman of Wakefield, RI, and Orhan (Marcia) Beckman of Jupiter, FL; five grandchildren, Emily (Christopher) of Rochester, NY; Peter Wills of Rochester, NY; Merai Beckman of Wakefield, RI; Tayler (Linh) Beckman of Boston, MA; and Renan Beckman of State College, PA; three great-grandchildren, Eleanor, William, and Diana; her brother, Tosun (Maria), of Germany; and several nieces and nephews.

     In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved grandfather, Yusuf Ziya Ozer, who meant the world to her. She was also predeceased by her loving husband, Robert; her beloved daughter, Renan, who was her pride and joy; her brothers, Bobur Ozer, Turul Ozer, and Ugur Merey; and her nephew, Kenan Merey.

     At Ertem’s request, no public services will be observed. A celebration of life will be held at a future date.

     Memorial donations may be made to:

●       Willow Center,   https://willowcenterny.org/

●       Moms Demand Action, https://momsdemandaction.org/

    To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit freayfuneralhome.com