Patricia Ann Beckjord

Patricia "Trish" Beckjord died on April 29, 2023 after living fiercely and courageously with pancreatic cancer for more than a year. Trish was born in Duluth, Minnesota, grew up in Pittsburgh, and spent her adult life living in Philadelphia, Ann Arbor, MI, and in and around Chicago, IL before retiring in May of 2020 and moving to Pittsburgh to be near her family. Trish is survived by her nephew, Stephen Beckjord with his wife Jennifer Beckjord and their son, Jackson; by her niece, Ellen Beckjord with her daughter Louise Burke; by her sister-in-law, Joanne Beckjord; and by many friends who also loved her dearly. Trish began her career as a Blood Bank Technician, held other jobs in medical technology, and then at age 43 followed her heart and attended the University of Michigan where she received a Master's degree in Landscape Architecture. Trish loved the Earth and was a passionate steward of ecological restoration. She ended her career fully dedicated to this cause at both Midwest Groundcovers LLC and The Conservation Foundation. She was a proud and committed member of the Unitarian Universalist Church. Trish loved to read, walk, sing, cook, and to authentically connect with others. She was an animal lover and provided a wonderful home to many cats throughout her life. Her family is deeply grateful to Dr. Monica Malhotra (UPMC Medical Oncology); Susan Jessell (UPMC Palliative Care); the healthcare providers and residents at Asbury Heights; UPMC Family Hospice; and Trish's community at the Sunnyhill Unitarian Universalist Church of the South Hills. Each provided such love and support for Trish that she was able to navigate her journey with cancer as she wished and on her own terms. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 7 at 2 pm ET at Sunnyhill Unitarian Universalist Church (1240 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA, 15228). The Sunnyhill Church website will offer an option to attend virtually. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Mt. Lebanon Nature Conservancy (https://www.lebonature.org/) or The Conservation Foundation (https://www.theconservationfoundation.org/) are accepted with gratitude. Professional services trusted to D'ALESSANDRO FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY LTD., Lawrenceville. www.dalessandroltd.com.

Patricia Ann Beckjord

November 15, 1947 - April 29, 2023