Gladys E. (Johnson) Beck, 89, passed away Mon., Dec. 26, 2011. She was the widow of Dr. Robert N. Beck (d. 1980), Professor Emeritus, Clark University. Gladys was born in Worcester, daughter of Margaret T. (Fahnstrom) and Carl E. Johnson. She leaves two daughters and a son: Margaret E. Knowlton (Richard) of Gardner, Jo Anne M. Gottcent (John) of IN, and Ronald N. Beck (Chizu) of Auburndale; 5 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren. Her brother, William G. Johnson, predeceased her.

Gladys was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Nordic Lodge #611 – Vasa Order of America, and the Scandinavian Women’s Club. Services will be held Friday, Dec. 30, 2011. Calling hours will be held in Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln St., Worcester, from 10-11 a.m. The funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the “Good Samaritan Fund” at Trinity Lutheran Church, 73 Lancaster St., Worcester, MA 01609.