Mary Louise Sanford Beckley
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Mary Louise Sanford Beckley, of Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, passed from this life on August 17, 2020. She was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, on June 23, 1935, the daughter of Dr. Frederic E. and Martha Jane Sanford. She graduated from Williamsport High School in 1953, and from Dickinson College in 1957. Following her graduation from college, she married Thomas A. Beckley, by whom she is survived.
Mary taught school in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, while her husband attended Dickinson Law School. After he graduated, they lived in Pittsburgh for two years, and then moved to Camp Hill. While she was involved in many activities, including two bridge clubs and most recently the Camp Hill Woman's Club, Mary devoted her life to her four children, her four grandchildren, and her three English bulldogs. She was happiest when she was with them, and always looked forward to family time, whether at her home or the homes of her children or her brother, or at Tides Inn, in Virginia, where she hosted many family reunions. Whenever one of her children or grandchildren participated in a concert, a play or any other type of activity, Mary was there, sitting in the front row, smiling. She had a warm smile and a kind word for everyone. She laughed easily and often, and she loved crossword puzzles, Christmas and books. She will be profoundly missed.
In addition to her husband, Mary is survived by her son Charles Beckley and his wife Susan, of Camp Hill; her son Frederic Beckley, his wife Frances and their two children, Samuel and Sarah, of Philadelphia and New York; her daughter, Judge Elizabeth ("Liesl") Beckley, of Camp Hill; and her son Thomas Beckley, his wife Karen ("Missy") Minehan and their two children, Madeline and Jack, of Camp Hill. She is also survived by her brother, RADM Frederic G. Sanford, Medical Corps, USN (Ret.), of Rockville, Maryland; her brother-and-sister-in-law, Mal and Ann Barasch, of New York; her niece Amy Barasch, her husband Ray Brescia and their son Leo, of New York; and Jody Barasch and her partner Edward Wieland, of Washington, D.C.
Due to the pandemic, a private family service will be held for Mary at the Myers-Harner Funeral Home in Camp Hill. Burial will be in Rolling Green Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Lion Foundation, www.thelionfoundation.org, or to The Harrisburg Singers, www.theharrisburgsingers.org.