Dorothy Joan Beck was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan in 1930. She attended the University of British Columbia, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Social Work, and Master's Degree in Social Work. This training launched Beck on a career advocating for children's rights, working at the Child Guidance Clinic and volunteering as President of the Children's Aid Society of Vancouver.
While at UBC Beck met her husband, when he serenaded her while she hosted a meeting of her Alpha Delta Phi sorority. Wally Beck was called to the bar in 1950, and a year later he and Dorothy were married. Together they had 5 children, but Dorothy followed the teaching she imparted to her daughters: that women deserved self-fulfillment just as much as any man.
Dorothy Beck pursued law as a mature student, enrolling in the law school at the age of 45, at a time when two of her daughters also attended UBC in different faculties. She graduated in 1978 and began her own family law practice, drawing clients due to her reputation and expertise in the area. She also helped found the Mediation Development Association of BC, and helped grow mediation as the first method for conflict resolution in family law.
Beck enjoyed reading, art and travel. She volunteered as a docent with the Vancouver Art Gallery for 35 years, and had a personal collection of more than 5,000 books.
Dorothy Joan Beck passed away in 2015.