Ora Van Beek
July 22, 2021

ORA VAN BEEK: In Pittsburgh on Thursday, July 22, 2021; beloved wife of the late Dr. Gus W. Van Beek; loving mother of Amir (Janice) Pilch, Drs. Daniel (Xiaoyan) Pilch, and Timna Pilch; mother-in-law of Sylvia Pilch. Savta to Danit (Dr. Aryeh) Kanal and Alyssa Pilch.  Great-grandmother of Naava, Rachel, Asaf, and Natan.  Also survived by nieces.  Graveside services and interment will be held on Sunday, July 25, 2021, at Parklawn Memorial Park and Memorial Gardens in Rockville, Maryland at 2:00 PM.  Contributions in Ora's memory may be made to the Jewish National Fund, JNF.org. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., family owned and operated. www.schugar.com

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Ora was my dance teacher from age 5 until 19 and she was one of the greatest teachers in my life. She taught me how to use my body for expression, how to work hard and talk to God through dance. I will never forget the lessons she taught me, the merangue treats and goodie bags she made us as a reward for working hard in class. My condolences to Ora's loved ones- Her memory is truly a blessing.

By Jenny Schulder - August 08, 2021

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We were so very upset to hear about Ora’s passing. She was our extraordinary dance teacher, who taught me and my girls in Kemp Mill. Ora’s classes were superb and her passionate instruction will remain with us, always. She was the definitive Graham teacher! She will be missed very much.

By Barbara Schulder - July 25, 2021

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My deepest condolences go out to you from Israel. Mrs. Van Beek was my dance teacher as well from high school through college until my wedding day and subsequent move to Israel. She not only taught me dance and a love for dance but instilled in me self confidence and perseverence. She taught the art of dance as really a form of expression which I continue to use and love to this day (20 or so years later). I will always remember her dearly. Yehi Zichra Baruch Reena Grant (nee Potter)

By Reena Grant - July 25, 2021

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Amir, My sincere condolences on the passing of your mother. May her memory be a blessing. I hope this note finds you well. All my best, Ilene

By Ilene Singer - July 25, 2021

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I am so sorry for your loss. I remember your mother, grandmother, beloved family member, Ora, as a lovely woman with amazing energy and a love and gift for dance. I attended her classes as a student at The Hebrew Academy and those memories still bring a smile. When she taught us she not only taught us the steps to a dance but through it connected us to Israel and our heritage. May her memory be a blessing to all of you. Baruch Dayan Emet.

By Ayala Griver (Mink) - July 24, 2021

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We remember Ora fondly. She was our next door neighbor, friend and inspiration to my two daughters who danced with her for years. May her memory be for a blessing.

By Elissa Stieglitz - July 23, 2021

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Mrs. Van Beek was my teacher for many years during high school and college. It’s hard to overstate her influence - in her dramatic, compelling, and quirky way she taught me about expressing emotions, having passion for a vocation (in her case, studying material culture and votive rites; in mine, computers and science, but the spark is the same), and how to relate to wildly different people and get beyond their surfaces. And of course dance as well!! It was a bracha to know her, and iI am so sorry for your family’s loss. Yehi zichra baruch

By Shana Posy - July 23, 2021

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