Svjetlana Beck

Svjetlana Tovarloža Beck was born on January 6, 1981, in Osijek, Croatia- A republic of the former Yugoslavia, to Mirko and Ljiljana Tovarloza. She and her family lived in a two-story home in nearby Čepin – A small town of brick and stucco homes, surrounded by expansive fields of sunflowers, cabbage and other crops.

Svjetlana’s father worked as a mechanic while her mother served as a nurse in Osijek. Svjetlana had a single older brother, Dejan who visited her a couple times in the U.S. after she relocated there. As a girl, her best friends were Maja and Branka, who stayed in close contact with her throughout her life.

Some of Svjetlana’s most cherished childhood memories were those of her grandfather Branko Šipkić who passed on when she was only 12. She loved him dearly and described him as the most kindhearted, and loving grandpa imaginable. He loved nothing more than making Svjetlana and her brother happy, never failing to bring a treat of some kind whenever visiting.

In 1991 the Croatian Homeland War broke out when Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia. By late 1991 the battle of Osijek was at Svjetlana’s doorstep with the city under a months-long siege and bombardment. Svjetlana recounted memories of long hours spent in the cellar with her family, anticipating the overhead whistling of shells and the occasional roar of military aircraft approaching for another strike. In 1995 the war came to an end. Yugoslavia was no more, and Croatia was recognized as its own independent nation. Despite the terrible destruction and economic devastation, Svjetlana’s parents continued to work and raise their children.

As a teenager, Svjetlana loved the night life. She spent as much time as possible with her friends, and lived to laugh and have fun. She trained as a dental technician, and completed a year-long internship away from home in the town of Vinkovci.

At the age of 21 Svjetlana was introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints through her friend Robertino who had arranged a meeting with two sister missionaries in a rented basement chapel in Osijek. Svjetlana described her experience upon entering the building as feeling an overwhelming and undeniable sense of truth and belonging. Despite the strange accent of the American sister missionaries who greeted her there, Svjetlana intently listened to and accepted their message. Svjetlana was baptized and confirmed in the Spring of 2002, becoming the first and only member of the church from her town of Čepin.

Weeks later, Svjetlana met 19-year-old Elder Nathan Beck, a missionary new to Osijek. Svjetlana’s English at the time was quite limited, and Nathan’s Croatian was even worse. Their initial conversation was a terribly confusing and comically awkward exchange of introductory questions. Eventually they both gave up trying to communicate and parted ways. Unbeknownst to Nathan, at some point during his 10-month stay in Osijek, Svjetlana developed an affection for him- something Nathan still finds baffling as he considered her far out of his league.

After Nathan completed his mission and returned to Utah, they stayed in touch through email, which evolved into lengthy phone calls. After 8 months of being back home in Utah, Nathan returned to Croatia in May of 2004 to visit Svjetlana and meet her family. A few weeks into the trip Nathan proposed to Svjetlana on the expansive foot bridge in Osijek which spans the beautiful Drava River.

With an ocean between them, the six months that followed were spent working on visa requirements and approvals. Nathan again came to Croatia, but this time to bring Svjetlana back to Utah with him. They did not leave however before her family and friends threw them a Croatian style party. Svjetlana and Nathan were married in the Logan, Utah temple on December 11, 2004.

For the first nearly five years of their marriage, they lived in the basement apartment of Nathan’s Aunt and Uncle’s house. During this time Svjetlana worked primarily at Icon Health and Fitness, as well as Kohl’s, while Nathan attended Utah State University. Their first child, Noah was born on October 7, 2007. Svjetlana cherished baby Noah with an unmatched mother’s love.

Shortly after Nathan graduated with a degree in accounting, they relocated to Spring Creek, Nevada where Nathan took employment with his father’s home construction business. They were thrilled to have a home of their own and excited for their new lives in Spring Creek. The following year, their daughter, Reia, was born on November 18, 2010. Svjetlana was overjoyed to have a beautiful daughter to call her own.

After six years in their home on Palace Pkwy, they had a new home built on a 4 acre lot on Greencrest Drive with beautiful panoramic views. Many happy memories were made while living in this home.

Svjetlana had a passion for traveling and ensured that family vacations were regularly planned. She made it a priority to travel back to Croatia with Nathan and the children nearly every year to see friends and family. Svjetlana loved visiting the Hawaiian Islands and did so no less than ten times. Her most memorable trip was on her and Nathan’s tenth anniversary, where Nathan surprised her with a very unexpected skydiving experience. For someone terribly afraid of heights, Nathan was amazed that she went through with it. Svjetlana loved making memories and never shied away from any new adventure.

Svjetlana kept an immaculately clean home, was extremely orderly, very classy, very health conscious, and an exceptional cook. She had memorized dozens of amazing traditional Croatian and American recipes, and rarely used a cookbook. Svjetlana had amazing improvisational skills, allowing her to create mouthwatering meals and desserts that would always vanish quickly.

Svjetlana had a keen eye for photography, and loved capturing the lives of her family behind her camera. She was honored to photograph 2 weddings and several family photo sessions. She never missed the opportunity to photograph her children’s milestones, including birthdays, graduations, and family vacations. Every fall she would agonize over planning the annual family photo shoot, seeking out the ideal venue at the perfect time of day, and meticulously coordinating outfits to create lasting memories.

After Nathan assumed management of Beck Built Homes, Svjetlana found her place in the company as the interior design specialist. She had an undeniable talent for visualizing complementary finish materials and colors, which always made for a beautiful home. Her confidence in her skill, along with her charming Croatian accent and captivating presence, won clients over nearly every time, effortlessly persuading them to embrace her design recommendations.

Svjetlana was unapologetically straightforward and honest. She had no tolerance for nonsense or excuses, and her fiery temper was legendary. Once in a while, after a less confrontational Nathan was done drying his tears, she would lovingly remind him that he had married a Croatian girl, and there were certain things that could never be changed. That said, Svjetlana was incredibly selfless, generous, and compassionate, and loved her family fiercely. She would stop at nothing to ensure their needs were met, and that they always knew how much they were cherished.

In 2017 a routine scan revealed a small lump in Svjetlana’s breast. A biopsy was attempted but proved to be too difficult. As it was suspected to be a cyst, the concern was not significant, and Svjetlana was advised to keep an eye on it. Subsequent checkups over the years did not raise any further concerns. Svjetlana’s health began to noticeably decline in 2019. Over the next few years, she increasingly experienced tiredness, pain and unexplained disorders of one kind or another. Despite seeing multiple doctors and specialists, the source of her continual ailments remained elusive.

Long desiring to return to Utah, in 2022 Svjetlana finally convinced Nathan that the time was now or never. After much searching, Svjetlana discovered a beautiful new home in Highland. Upon touring it, she was certain beyond a doubt that this was where she and her family needed to be. In the Spring of 2023 the family said goodbye to the community they had called home for 14 years and made the move to Utah. Svjetlana embraced the change, thrilled to be in her forever home in a beautiful community with welcoming neighbors.

Another routine doctor checkup in August 2023 revisited the lump that had been found years earlier. Again, she was told that it was most likely a cyst and did not have the characteristics of cancer. Regardless of this, an ultrasound was ordered followed by a biopsy. Svjetlana and Nathan were shocked and devastated to learn that not only was it indeed cancer, but that it had metastasized to her liver, muscle, lymph nodes, vertebrae, and was also found in her thyroid.

Svjetlana began what would be a nearly two-year battle- involving numerous chemotherapy infusions, surgery, and dozens of prescription medications, many of which caused severe nausea and other debilitating side effects. Through it all, Svjetlana remained courageous and determined to persevere for the sake of her family.

In the fall of 2024 when Svjetlana’s chemotherapy began to falter, thinking only of her children, she pleaded with her oncologist, Dr. Thompson to keep her alive long enough to be there for their birthdays… And her anniversary if possible. No guarantees were given, but he promised to do absolutely everything in his power to make it so. Many prayers were offered on Svjetlana’s behalf and a new chemotherapy unexpectedly stabilized her cancer. Despite relentless nausea, pain, and side effects, Svjetlana persevered with unwavering hope and optimism- Celebrating additional milestones and holidays including her children’s birthdays, her 20th wedding anniversary, Christmas and New Year. In 2025, her continued resilience brought her to Maui, Oahu, and Cancun.

Since her diagnosis, Svjetlana fought her battle for nearly two years. She often told Nathan to be strong for their children. Whenever asked how she was doing, she would tell people, “Don’t worry about me. I am ok.” Svjetlana made many dear friends with both patients and staff at the chemotherapy center. From time to time, she would update her friends and family with posts on Facebook, hoping to inspire and encourage others with messages of strength through adversity.

Her health plummeted during their Cancun vacation- Her final wish for family time as her sixth line of chemo treatments had not gone well. On the last day, despite her pain and weakness, she stood up from her wheelchair for a family photoshoot on the beach, fully determined to leave beautiful memories for Nathan, Noah and Reia.

Upon returning home, Svjetlana’s condition continued to deteriorate. Just 10 days later, on July 24, 2025, at approximately 10:35 A.M. after the arrival of her parents from Croatia, having fallen into a state of unconsciousness, Svjetlana passed away at home.

Svjetlana loved life but did not fear death. For months she knew that her time would soon come, yet she was able to make peace with it. She comforted Nathan in his sorrow, telling him, “This is not goodbye, it’s just see you later”. During her final night as he held her hand, telling her “I love you.” She said her last words in a barely audible whisper: “I love you too.”

At the age of 44 it leaves one to wonder why God would take such an extraordinary person so early in life. Throughout their 20-year marriage, Svjetlana sensed that her time would come before Nathan’s, and spoke of this premonition many times to him. It can only be presumed that she fulfilled her life’s calling- First and foremost, raising her children to be courageous, good, and kind; inspiring and uplifting others through her valiant fight; and finding peace amid personal suffering. It can further be presumed that God has a much greater work for her to perform on the other side- free from the infirmities of this mortal life. Svjetlana loved, and was loved by many. May God be with her till we meet again.