Natalie Sherry

Beckett, 84 SUN CITY WEST - Natalie Sherry (Milou) Beckett ended a busy and love-filled life on July 28, 2014 shortly after her 84th birthday. Natalie died peacefully in her sun-filled home doing things she loved: talking with her family and friends, devouring books, and keeping busy with the many activities she enjoyed. Natalie especially loved (and was loved by) her family. She was always there for her children in good times and bad, sharing both practical and life lessons. Natalie loved the theater. She was active in Theater West, often as a director or assistant director. She loved Broadway musicals, and usually knew the words to every song. Her favorite performer was Sophie Tucker, who she admired because of her ability to achieve success in the face of skepticism by critics and others. She loved dancing. At seven, she tapped her way into the thousands of Pennsylvania households by appearing for a record six weeks on a local radio program. She also had a passion for ballet. Natalie was a passionate reader. Even when her vision became poor, she listened to as many books as she could. Natalie had a green thumb, and was especially proud of her orchids and her ability to propagate almost anything. Natalie was a born leader. In addition to Theater West, she was active in the Jewish Social Connection and the WOW group, frequently serving as president or board member. Natalie was a survivor. She encountered many difficulties toward the end of her life but did not let these keep her down. She was resourceful and persevering, strong-willed and determined. She refused to be depressed or let her difficulties get in the way of keeping active. Natalie was born and raised in Philadelphia, but as a teenager she got her first taste of desert life when for a brief time her family moved to Tucson. The lure of the desert never left her, and in 1995, she and her husband Mike hitched their wagons and moved to Sun City West. Natalie is survived by her children, Jamie Beckett (Peter Shuler), Lawrence "Larry" Beckett, and Melissa Gilroy (Jerry); four grandchildren, Alex, Ryan, Rachael and Reilly. She is also survived by her brother, Ernest Milou; cousins Leon Snyder (Stella), Victor Sontag (Roz), Victor Snyder (Lily), and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Natalie was preceded in death by her husband of more than 50 years, Malcolm "Mike" Beckett. Natalie will be laid to rest in the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona with her husband. Natalie's family wants to especially thank the friends, organizations and volunteers who helped her to maintain a level of independence in her home that matched her independence in life. In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations to either the American Diabetes Association or the Jewish National Fund. Condolences may be sent to Jamie Beckett, 2577 Park Blvd. #V203, Palo Alto, CA 94306. A memorial guest book has been posted here: http://goo.gl/W3ak6s.