Ariadne P. Beck

January 24, 1933 – February 15, 2022

A dear friend, colleague, mentor, and teacher passed on February 15, 2022.

Born Ariadne Plumis on January 24, 1933, in Orange, New Jersey, to George Nichilas Plumis and Panagiota Beatrice Plumis both of whom immigrated from Greece.

Ariadne married Robert N. Beck on February 16, 1958 and remained married to each other until Bob passed on August 6, 2008.

Ariadne leaves behind three goddaughters: Eva Reale, Nancy Lynn Olk, and Georgia Ploumi. All other family has since passed.

To her friends and family, she was known simply as Andy. Many who knew her looked up to her as a teacher and mentor, a wise soul. She was a consummate leader who cared deeply about those in her life. She mentored many young adults and contributed deeply to her community both professionally and personally. Andy loved her Greek heritage and was passionate about its history and culture which she wove into her long and rich life.

Ariadne attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York where she developed her love of fine art and fashion. She went on to design women’s coats and suits for several New York-based manufacturers. Her skills as an artist knew no limits. She went on to earn her BS in Experimental Psychology at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY and her master’s degree in Human Development at the University of Chicago.

Andy was a licensed clinical psychologist in the State of Illinois and was the founding member of the National Registry of Certified Group Psychotherapists. She was a staff counselor at the University of Chicago Counseling and Psychotherapy Research Center and Instructor in and director of counseling programs for the disadvantaged at the University of Chicago. Additionally, she had maintained a private practice in individual, couples and group therapy, consultation, and research.

Andy’s professional activities were extensive. She conducted research in group psychotherapy, lectured, held workshops, and consulted in her field at a local, state and national level. She authored numerous articles and research papers and co-wrote books in her field.

Andy was honored for many of her professional contributions to the field of psychology. She was a fellow at the University of Chicago, earned an award of distinction with the Illinois Group Psychotherapy Society. She created the Adriadne P. Beck Scholarship award for the best annual thesis at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology and earned a certificate of award for meritorious service from the Illinois Group Psychotherapy Society and was elected Fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Association.

Andy was named multiple times by Who’s Who in the Midwest and Who’s Who of American Women in the World, and also by Two Thousand Notable American Women in America.

Andy loved to garden, the arts, and was an avid reader. She loved botanical drawing, ceramics and sewing.

A committal service will take place at Bronswood Cemetery, 3805 Madison St., in Oak Brook on Wednesday, February 23. Those who wish to attend should meet at the cemetery gates at 9:45am. A memorial service honoring Andy’s life is being planned for a later date.

Donations in her memory can be made to The Nature Conservatory, The Sierra Club or Morton Arboretum.