January 5, 2026

Theodore (Ted) Christie, Jr. of Landenberg, died on Dec. 25, from natural causes after a brief illness. He was 91 years old. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marjorie Christie.

Ted was born in Bridgeport, Conn., where his father was a florist and his mother a bookkeeper. As a teenager, he moved with his family to Cresskill, N.J., and attended Tenafly High School. In 1958, he received his Bachelor of Science degree from Rutgers University School of Engineering. He went on to earn a PhD through graduate work at Cornell and Temple. His dissertation applied statistical research to improving the efficiency and reliability of drug testing procedures.

For many years, Ted taught mathematics and statistics at Delaware Valley University in Doylestown.

After retiring from teaching, Ted moved with his wife, Marjorie to Landenberg, where they bought a historic house and kept beloved horses and cats. Their shared appreciation for Baroque music led them to become regulars at Brandywine Baroque concerts. The gourmet cooking skills they developed together made invitations to dinner at their home highly coveted.

Ted served for over 20 years as a member of the New Garden Township Historical Commission and, for a term, as its chairman. He was master of ceremonies for the 2010 reopening of the Landenberg Bridge as well as memorable township “history nights,” and his careful monitoring of the internet marketplace for historic artifacts related to southeastern Chester County brought marvelous items to the Commission’s attention.

Ted was a generous and affable friend known for his dry wit and wise observations. He will be missed by all who knew him.

No services or interment are planned at this time.

Arrangements are by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square. To view his online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com

Linda Kay Beck, 76, of Kennett Square, died peacefully on Dec. 23. Born in Knoxville, Tenn., she was the beloved daughter of the late Mildred (Parrott) Brown.

Kay’s love language was food. Cooking for her family and friends brought her great joy, and no one ever left her home hungry. She was especially famous for her chicken and dumplings and her Southern cooking, which became a cherished comfort to all who tasted it. A cup of coffee was rarely far from her hand, and many conversations, stories, and moments of laughter were shared across her kitchen table with coffee always brewing.

She was an avid crafter with a strong creative spirit. Whether making wreaths and bows, working with flowers, or sewing, Kay constantly found ways to express her creativity. She was also a poet and left behind a collection of her written words that reflect her thoughtfulness and heart.

Kay had a natural way with children, who were drawn to her warmth and humor. When her daughters, Yolanda and Holly, were growing up, their home was the gathering place for neighborhood kids. Kay always made sure to create a space where everyone felt welcome

She shared a deep and meaningful bond with her siblings, and those relationships were among the most important in her life. Growing up as one of thirteen gave Kay a lifetime of stories of her lively youth, which she told with quick wit, unmistakable humor, and perfect timing. She had a special talent for turning family experiences into laughter and wisdom, always leaving listeners smiling, a little wiser, and usually asking for just one more story.

Kay was also known for always singing or softly humming, filling her home with music whether she was cooking, crafting, or simply enjoying the day. Those gentle melodies are memories her family will forever hold close.

She is survived by her daughter, Holly Baron and her son, Sebastian Baron; her daughter, Yolanda Beck and her children, Jordan (Brianna) Beck, Shanice Beck, Shania Beck, Joseph Beck, and Quincy Holman; her great-grandsons, Pierce and Reese Beck; and her sister, Nancy (Richard) Sakiewicz.

In addition to her parents, Kay was predeceased by her siblings James, Jack, Joe, Helen, Ralph, Jane, Margaret, Brenda and Billy.

Services and interment will be private.

Arrangements are by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Kennett Square (484-734-8100). To view her online tribute or share a memory with her family, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.