Patsy Smolik Potter Beck, beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, sister, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2020, at the age of 76, surrounded by her family.

Patsy is survived by her beloved husband, William Frank Beck, and her sons, Robert Brian Potter (Lisa) and Timothy Moore Potter (Jennifer). She was predeceased by her adored son, Michael Davidson Potter. She is also survived by her sisters, Barbara (Woodgie) Logan, Sarah Smolik, and Susan Scarborough. She was predeceased by her brother, Edmund (Ned) Smolik Jr.

Patsy is survived by her six grandchildren, Nicole Alise Potter, Catherine Jane Potter, Robert Michael Potter, Caroline Marie Potter, Courtney Davidson Potter, and Andrew Michael Potter. She is also survived by her four stepchildren, and eight step grandchildren. She was "Mamie" to all who knew and loved her.

Patsy was born on December 18, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Dr. Edmund A. Smolik and Jane (Davidson) Smolik. She was a 1961 graduate of St. Joseph's Academy, in St. Louis, Missouri, and a 1965 graduate of Barat College of the Sacred Heart, in Lake Forest, Illinois.

Patsy lived a vibrant life, and resided, among other places, in St. Louis, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Chicago, Philadelphia, Brussels, and Frankfort, Michigan. She loved to watch her grandchildren play their many sports, go to their dance recitals, and attend any of their activities that she could find. If there was a grandchild's event somewhere, you always knew where to find Mamie. She also cherished her close ties with St. Louis Priory, as well as the monastic community at St. Louis Abbey.

Patsy particularly relished her time in Michigan, whether in her home in Frankfort or in her family cottage in the CSA, both ideally situated on Lake Michigan, witness to countless amazing sunsets. The Congregational Summer Assembly was especially important to Patsy. She had numerous dear and lifelong friends there, and was honored to serve as Vice President of the Board of Trustees on two separate occasions. She was a constant fixture at Monday Night Dancing (aka Square Dancing), first as participant, and later as "Mom" and then "Mamie." She also loved to perform, and later watch her children and grandchildren perform, in the annual Children's Operetta, and play in the yearly July and August tennis tournaments. She was an ardent supporter of the Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts, and numerous other Benzie area charities.

Ten years of cancer was no match for Patsy's love of life. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends who love her deeply.

A celebration of her life will be held in Frankfort this July, with details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Michael Davidson Potter Scholarship Fund, St. Louis Priory School, 500 S. Mason Rd., St. Louis, MO 63141; Congregational Summer Assembly Education Fund, P.O. Box 1026, Frankfort, MI 49635

Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home osfuneralhomes.com

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Published by Benzie County Record Patriot on Mar. 25, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Patsy Beck

9 Entries

John London

April 9, 2020

Bill, Elaine and I are so sorry for your loss.

Taylor Kirsch

March 16, 2020

My thoughts are with Bill and my Potter and Beck cousins. I wish much comfort to you in this time of loss. Patsy was one of a kind and a truly good person, shell be greatly missed.

Taylor Kirsch

March 16, 2020

Dear Aunt Patsy, I always enjoyed seeing you in summers at the family summer spots in Frankfort, MI. We had many nice family visits & trips with her family when I was a kid. She was very supportive when I was growing up and I loved her, unfortunately I didnt take her advice when it was graciously given, which I regret. She was my glamorous beautiful cousin who somewhat led the kind of life Id always fantasized about in movies. Ill always be grateful to her for her concern over my well being and she was like a 2nd mom for many years. She and my mom loved each other dearly and tried so hard to raise our extended family the best way they knew how, for which Im eternally grateful. She was very supportive when mom passed. Im sad I wont be able to chat with her about our family history this spring/summer which I planned on doing, ask her and Uncle Bills advice, see their beautiful growing art collection at their cottage and hear stories about her grandchildren I know she cherished dearly, but Im grateful shes not suffering her illness anymore. Ill miss her.

Laura Millar

March 16, 2020

To Bill and Family,
We are so saddened to hear of Patsy's passing. She was a class act in everything and to everyone...what a deep loss to all who knew and loved her. We will be lifting you up in our prayers and thoughts. May you feel the comfort of our Heavenly Father carrying you all through this very difficult time. Laura and Jim Millar

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Dave & Jodi Venhaus

March 14, 2020

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Bill.

Adie Dietz

March 14, 2020

I've known you since high school, and thereafter at Crystal Lake over many years. God bless you, Patsy!

March 14, 2020

To Pat's family and friends.
My deepest sympathy on her passing.
Pat was an exceptional person. But then you all knew that.
May she rest in piece.
Jerry McNeive

Dennis & Nancy Corrington

March 13, 2020

Brian, Lisa, and all of your family,
Dennis and I are so sad to hear about your mother's death. We will certainly remember her lovely smile and her delight in her children from the first time we ever saw her at Priory in the early 80's and beyond. May all of you cherish the good memories and time that you had her in your lives.
With deepest sympathy from the Rehm/Corrington Family

Stacey Peoples

March 12, 2020

God Bless sweet Patsy and all who love her. She was a light in our world. I imagine there is a party welcoming her home with hugs, kisses, and lots of fireworks. Until we meet again.

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