Obituary for Isabel Beck (McShea)
Isabel Mary Beck (nee McShea), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, 83, passed away surrounded by her loving family on March 13, 2023. Isabel was born to John and Helen McShea (nee Kuhn) on June 14, 1939, in the Mayfair section of Philadelphia. She graduated from St. Hubert High School in 1957 and remained a proud Bambi for life; attending frequent reunion luncheons with her classmates.
Isabel lived in her hometown until 1973 when she and her husband Louis moved to Bensalem, Pa. with their six children. Soon after they completed their family by adding two more children.
Isabel and Lou’s home was filled with warmth and love. When her children were young, the house was bustling with activity. Kids could be found playing basketball, swimming in the pool, or hanging in the “fort.” Years later, her grandchildren would enjoy these same activities and the house remained a gathering place for many holidays and family events. Christmas Eve was legendary — the entire family would gather for laughter, gift-giving, and competitive games.
A devout Catholic, Isabel was a eucharistic minister at St. Charles Borromeo parish for many years. Her eight children attended St. Charles School and Isabel was very involved in the school community. Many former students likely remember her days as the gym teacher, a substitute teacher, and a welcoming face at school events.
A sports fan, Isabel was instrumental in developing the CYO sports program at St. Charles which brought organized sports to the students and remains a successful program to this day.
As Isabel and Lou’s family grew, they gladly spent their time attending their grandchildren’s sporting events and extracurricular activities. On any given day, you could bet that in the stands or on the sidelines would be Isabel cheering proudly. Her life revolved around her family, and no matter how large it grew, she remained interested and involved in everyone’s activities.
Isabel will be deeply missed by all who loved her. She leaves behind her husband and soulmate Lou. They were married for 61 years and together they raised eight children, Barbara Black (Sam), Marianne Schafer (Rich), Louis (Claudia), Bill (Stacey), Joe (Beth), David (Lisa), Jim (Michelle), and John (Kelly). Isabel was “Grandmom” to 26 very fortunate grandchildren: Billy (fiancé Alannah), Sean (Alexa), Joey (fiancé Michelle), Kristen (Michael), Joshua (partner Alora), Richie (Amber), Samantha, Matthew, Megan (Michael), Virginia, Abigail, Jack, Luke, Andrew, Adam, Annabelle, Julia, Elizabeth, Emily, Michael, Madelyn, Alyson, Mary, Sarah, Kaitlyn, and John. She was also the proud great-grandmother to Olivia, Chase, Noah, Charlize, and Lincoln.
Additionally, Isabel (known affectionately as Yip) is survived by her siblings Helen Wolset, Jim McShea, Claire Metzger, loving nieces and nephews, and many cherished friends. She was predeceased by her siblings Bernard, Ginny, Jack, and Gerry.
Friends and family are invited to attend her viewing at the Tomlinson Funeral Home, 2207 Bristol Pike, Bensalem, Pa. on Monday, March 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. An additional viewing will be held from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. prior to Isabel’s 10:30 a.m. funeral mass on Tuesday, March 21 at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 1704 Bristol Pike, Bensalem.
The Mass will be streamed live @: https://www.youtube.com/@st.charlesborromeoparishbe2729/streams.
Rite of Committal at Resurrection Cemetery, Hulmeville Road, Bensalem.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in Isabel’s memory to: St. Hubert High School Basketball Program, 7320 Torresdale Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19136 or to St. Charles Borromeo School, 1704 Bristol Pike, Bensalem, PA 19020.
Isabel lived in her hometown until 1973 when she and her husband Louis moved to Bensalem, Pa. with their six children. Soon after they completed their family by adding two more children.
Isabel and Lou’s home was filled with warmth and love. When her children were young, the house was bustling with activity. Kids could be found playing basketball, swimming in the pool, or hanging in the “fort.” Years later, her grandchildren would enjoy these same activities and the house remained a gathering place for many holidays and family events. Christmas Eve was legendary — the entire family would gather for laughter, gift-giving, and competitive games.
A devout Catholic, Isabel was a eucharistic minister at St. Charles Borromeo parish for many years. Her eight children attended St. Charles School and Isabel was very involved in the school community. Many former students likely remember her days as the gym teacher, a substitute teacher, and a welcoming face at school events.
A sports fan, Isabel was instrumental in developing the CYO sports program at St. Charles which brought organized sports to the students and remains a successful program to this day.
As Isabel and Lou’s family grew, they gladly spent their time attending their grandchildren’s sporting events and extracurricular activities. On any given day, you could bet that in the stands or on the sidelines would be Isabel cheering proudly. Her life revolved around her family, and no matter how large it grew, she remained interested and involved in everyone’s activities.
Isabel will be deeply missed by all who loved her. She leaves behind her husband and soulmate Lou. They were married for 61 years and together they raised eight children, Barbara Black (Sam), Marianne Schafer (Rich), Louis (Claudia), Bill (Stacey), Joe (Beth), David (Lisa), Jim (Michelle), and John (Kelly). Isabel was “Grandmom” to 26 very fortunate grandchildren: Billy (fiancé Alannah), Sean (Alexa), Joey (fiancé Michelle), Kristen (Michael), Joshua (partner Alora), Richie (Amber), Samantha, Matthew, Megan (Michael), Virginia, Abigail, Jack, Luke, Andrew, Adam, Annabelle, Julia, Elizabeth, Emily, Michael, Madelyn, Alyson, Mary, Sarah, Kaitlyn, and John. She was also the proud great-grandmother to Olivia, Chase, Noah, Charlize, and Lincoln.
Additionally, Isabel (known affectionately as Yip) is survived by her siblings Helen Wolset, Jim McShea, Claire Metzger, loving nieces and nephews, and many cherished friends. She was predeceased by her siblings Bernard, Ginny, Jack, and Gerry.
Friends and family are invited to attend her viewing at the Tomlinson Funeral Home, 2207 Bristol Pike, Bensalem, Pa. on Monday, March 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. An additional viewing will be held from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. prior to Isabel’s 10:30 a.m. funeral mass on Tuesday, March 21 at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 1704 Bristol Pike, Bensalem.
The Mass will be streamed live @: https://www.youtube.com/@st.charlesborromeoparishbe2729/streams.
Rite of Committal at Resurrection Cemetery, Hulmeville Road, Bensalem.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in Isabel’s memory to: St. Hubert High School Basketball Program, 7320 Torresdale Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19136 or to St. Charles Borromeo School, 1704 Bristol Pike, Bensalem, PA 19020.