Anne Ernestine Beck Macfarlane

January 27, 1931 - April 30, 2025

Anne Ernestine Beck Macfarlane, a devoted wife and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at the age of 94. She was surrounded and embraced, at the end, by her husband and children.

Born on January 27, 1931, in Bristol, Va., Anne was the daughter of Emily Haldeman and Charles Julius Beck. Anne carried forward the simple religious belief that one's life is measured not by what one accomplishes or accumulates, but rather, what one does in the service of others. Anne lived this motto her entire life – with friends, with family, and in the service of those in need. Anne's family experiences and religious upbringing were evident in her quiet strength of conviction, her dogged perseverance, and her steadfast resolve to do the right thing without concern for how it might be perceived.

Anne attended Harcum College and graduated from Mary Washington College in 1952, where she later served as a member of the Board of Trustees. She wed John Granger Macfarlane II on August 30, 1952. Together they enjoyed an amazing 73-year marriage while raising four children, John, Charles, Sandy, and Mary Banks, with love, integrity, and a deep sense of the importance of family.

Anne's passions included playing tennis with friends and family, many rounds of bridge, tending to her hundreds of greenhouse plants and flowers, and producing many kinds of artwork - paintings, pastels, collages, sculptures and watercolor paintings. Her love of art led her to serve in many arts related leadership positions including the board of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Anne was known for her grace, quiet strength, and desire to help others. She devoted her life to her family and her community where she nurtured those around her with patience, wisdom, and unwavering support. Her home was filled with an open-door, welcoming spirit and was a place where laughter and love were always abundant.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Granger; her four children, John Macfarlane and his wife, Dudley, of Crozet, Va., Charles Macfarlane and his wife, Sheila, of Richmond, Va., Sandy Macfarlane and her husband, Salim, of Oregon House, Calif., and Mary Banks Barnhill and her husband, Ken, of Albany, GA; her brother, Bobby Beck and his wife, Hope, of Williamsburg, Va.; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many dear friends and extended family members.

Anne's life was a quiet testament to love, dignity, and enduring faith. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. A memorial service will be held at Second Presbyterian Church at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, to celebrate her remarkable life and enduring legacy.

Anne specifically requested a modest service featuring a single flower arrangement and, therefore, the family requests that donations be made to the Roanoke Salvation Army or to the Second Presbyterian Church's Mountain Avenue Fund in lieu of flowers.

A celebration of life will be held at Mount Fair Farm in Crozet, Va., on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 3 to 5 p.m. The family respectfully requests attendees RSVP to [email protected]. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.Oakeys.com.

Oakey's Funeral Service - Roanoke Chapel

Downtown Roanoke, VA (540) 982-2100

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Published by Roanoke Times on May 4, 2025.