Beck Institute mourns the loss of the Honorable Phyllis W. Beck, a respected leader and philanthropist who served as Chair of Beck Institute’s Board of Directors for over 25 years. Judge Beck passed away peacefully on March 4, 2025, at the age of 97.

A Legal Trailblazer and Dedicated Public Servant

Judge Beck was born in Brooklyn in 1927 and raised in the Bronx. Unlike many women of her time, she was encouraged by her father to pursue a career. She went to law school at Temple University, completing her courses at night while raising four children. She graduated first in her class.

In 1981, she became the first woman appointed to the Pennsylvania Superior Court, breaking barriers and setting a precedent for generations of women in the judiciary. Elected to a full ten-year term in 1983, she contributed significantly to shaping Pennsylvania’s legal landscape. She chaired the Governor’s Commission on Judicial Reform under Governor Robert P. Casey, leading critical efforts to modernize Pennsylvania’s judiciary.

She was a fierce advocate for public interest law, serving as the longtime Board Chair of the Independence Foundation. Under her leadership, the foundation created the Public Interest Law Fellowships, which provided funding for over 125 fellows dedicated to advancing public service law. This initiative helped make legal aid and advocacy available to underserved communities.

She was also heavily involved in legal education, serving on the faculties of Temple Law School and Villanova University and as Vice Dean of the University of Pennsylvania Law School.

Judge Beck’s Legacy of Leadership and Philanthropy

Judge Beck’s impact extended beyond the courtroom. Recognizing the importance of accessible and community-driven healthcare, she and the Independence Foundation President, Susan Sherman, played a crucial role in supporting the nurse-managed healthcare movement. Their efforts led to the establishment of the National Nurse-Led Care Coalition, which has had a profound influence on national health policy and expanded access to high-quality healthcare for vulnerable populations.

Judge Beck was a steadfast supporter of the arts and humanities. She believed in the power of culture and education to enrich communities and played an active role in supporting libraries, theaters, and museums throughout Philadelphia. She was widely recognized for her generosity, and the lasting impact she had on the institutions and individuals she supported will be felt for generations to come.

A Driving Force Behind Beck Institute’s Success

Judge Beck was a passionate supporter of Beck Institute’s mission and deeply believed in the power of CBT to transform lives. Her leadership helped grow Beck Institute into a best-in-class training organization, extending its reach to tens of thousands of mental health professionals around the world. “We are profoundly saddened by the passing of Judge Phyllis W. Beck, who served as Beck Institute’s Board Chair for over 25 years,” said Beck Institute Executive Director Dr. Allen Miller. “She was an unwavering supporter of our mission, and her many contributions were invaluable. Her loss is deeply felt throughout our organization.”

Judge Beck was married to Beck Institute’s co-founder and developer of CBT, the late Dr. Aaron T. Beck, for over 70 years. She was the mother of Beck Institute co-founder and current President Dr. Judith Beck.

As we remember her extraordinary life, we remain committed to the values she championed: education, equity, and advocacy. Her vision and leadership will remain at the heart of Beck Institute, guiding us as we continue the work she so passionately supported.