Skip to content
Call Us Today! 212-533-4646 | MON-FRI 12PM - 4PM (EST)
DONATE
SUBSCRIBE
Search for:
About Us
UNWLA 100
Publications
FAQ
Annual Report 2023
Annual Report 2022
Annual Report 2021
Initiatives
Advocate
Educate
Cultivate
Care
News
Newsletters
Sign Up For Our Newsletter
Join UNWLA
Become a Member
Volunteer With Us
Donate to UNWLA
Members Portal
Calendar
Shop to Support Ukraine
Search for:
Print
Print Page
Download
Download Page
Download Right Page
Open
1
2-3
4-5
6-7
8-9
10-11
12-13
14-15
16-17
18-19
20-21
22-23
24-25
26-27
28-29
30-31
32-33
34-35
36-37
38-39
40
Mary V. Beck (1908-2005) On January 30, 2005, Mary V. Beck, a prominent member of Ukrainian National Women’s League of America and the Ukrainian American community at large, passed away. Bom February 29, 1908, in Ford City, Pennsylvania, Ms. Beck was a spirited and charismatic leader who defied tradition and forged her own path in life. She was a lawyer, a politician, a patron of the arts, and a community activist with a proud record of service and achievement. One of the earliest members of the UNWLA, Mary Beck founded UNWLA Branch 27 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Branch 26 in Detroit, Michigan, and Branch 97 in Buffalo, New York. Over the decades, she remained active in the organization, generously serving as mentor and example to generations of women who admired and respected her. One of the most memorable aspects of this giving was her ability to captivate au diences with timeless and energetic speeches in which were woven memories of the past and a vision of the future that was bold and uncompromising. Passionate and eloquent, these speeches never failed to amaze even those who had heard her many times. In her later years, her diminutive stature would catch the unwary off guard as the anticipated frail whisper metamorphosed into a magnificent thundering voice that evoked laugh ter and tears and memories and pride. In one of her last public appearances—a celebration of her commitment to women, to the UNWLA, and to Ukrainian and American communities she served—Mary Beck was named “Woman for all Seasons” by the Detroit Regional Council. She was presented with a plaque from the UNWLA Executive Committee and a gold pin marking the 50th anniversary of the First UNWLA Congress, during which she had delivered the keynote address in Ukrainian and English. A devoted and committed UNWLA member, Mary Beck was passionate about many other organizations and programs of interest to the Ukrainian community. From 1932 to 1934 she served as publisher and editor of Zinochyj Svit. She was the founder of the World Federation of Ukrainian Women’s Organization’s Literary Con test for Ukrainian women writers, a program she funded and supported in numerous other ways. When Chicago hosted the Century of Progress Exposition in 1933-1934, it was Mary Beck who managed the Ukrainian Pavil ion, coordinating everything from cultural exhibits to educational materials about Ukraine to public relations. As a Ukrainian American woman, Mary Beck lived in two worlds, and her accomplishments beyond the Ukrainian community underscored her diverse skills and talents. The first woman to be elected to the De troit Common Council, she later served as council president from 1952 to 1962. She was acting mayor of De troit from 1958 to 1962 and served for many years in the county legislative body, earning for herself a promi nent place in the history of the City of Detroit. During her lifetime, Mary Beck was honored at numerous banquets and other events for her contribu tions to her city, her community, and her country. At each of these events, her life was celebrated by those who had been touched by her greatness and her courage. There were letters of commendation from Ukrainian community leaders, from Senators and Congressmen representing the State of Michigan, and even from President Ronald Reagan. She accepted the accolades with dignity. She rarely spoke of them, choosing to measure her own life's work through deeds rather than the compliments of others. Of all the tributes and hon ors received, the one she treasured most was the medal of St. Volodymyr, bestowed upon her by the Ukrainian World Congress in Kyiv, Ukraine. To her, the medal was more than a token of esteem. It was a medal minted and presented to her in the capital of a country that was independent, a symbol of a lifelong dream that she had lived to see realized. Mary Beck's life journey has ended. And as we mourn her passing, we cannot help but wonder if we will ever see anyone like her again. The best tribute we can give her is to try and hope to learn from her, fol low in her footsteps, and emulate her strength, her courage, and her passion. Farewell, our dear Marusia. We hoped to see you at the 27th UNWLA Convention this spring, an event that will carry on a tradition that you embraced and supported for so many years. The organization that was dear to you will be celebrating its 80th anniversary; young women of a new generation will attend the convention and hear your name spoken with reverence and admiration. And those of us who were privileged to know you and work with you over the years, will hear your thundering voice and magical laughter and know that you are with us in spirit. 16 “НАШЕ ЖИТТЯ”, ЛЮТИЙ 2005 Видання C оюзу Українок A мерики - перевидано в електронному форматі в 2012 році . A рхів C У A - Ню Йорк , Н . Й . C Ш A.
Page load link
Go to Top
1 
2-3 
4-5 
6-7 
8-9 
10-11 
12-13 
14-15 
16-17 
18-19 
20-21 
22-23 
24-25 
26-27 
28-29 
30-31 
32-33 
34-35 
36-37 
38-39 
40 
