April 20, 1930 – September 27, 2022 (age 92)
Newburgh, NY
Mathilde entered into rest on September 27, 2022. Born April 20, 1930 in Wiesbaden, West Germany, she was the 8th of 9 children born to Auguste and Karl Damm. She was 92 years old.
Mattie grew up during World War 2, having a challenging childhood. However, she always recalled the happy times. At the age of 17, she worked at the American PX store, where she met Walter Beck, a corporal in the US Army. They married a year later, and Mattie became a war bride. At the age of 18, she left her family in Germany and ventured to America with Walter.
Mattie was a dedicated family mom. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were her whole life. She never met one of her child’s friends that she didn’t like. Known to her grandchildren and all their friends as Mama, her home was open to everyone. She became “Old Mama” to her great grandchildren. Mattie was known for her slightly sarcastic wit and amazing story telling of her past life in Germany. She made many friends in her new country and developed lifelong friendships that impacted so many. Mattie loved to travel, especially to a casino!
Surviving Mattie are her children, Ida Riewe; Robert Beck; David and his wife, Denise Beck; Bonnie and her husband, Mark Amoia and Eric and his wife, Janine Beck. Grandchildren are Garilyn Emig, Sherilyn Jones, Erica Cappillino, Brian Beck, Jeffrey Beck, Angela Amoia, Stephan Amoia, Tyler Beck, Austin Beck, and Emily Beck. In addition, she is survived by 12 great grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by husband, Walter L. Beck (1993), her parents and her siblings.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, September 29 at Brooks Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Ave., Newburgh. A service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 30 at the funeral home, with burial following in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Newburgh.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, Inc.
