Becky always had a big smile for everyone.  She was generous to a fault. 

She gave all she had.  When she was happy, it was a genuine happiness that she shared with others.

     In conversations with her friends and family over the past few days, I heard a few consistent themes that showed her love and compassion  for  others.  These are a few of the things I heard:  “I loved her for who she was, even if I didn’t agree with her beliefs”.
“Becky was there for everybody.” 
“She was my best friend.”
“Becky was the only person who understood me.”

     Becky was a strong and independent person.  She gave 110% at everything she did, whether it was cheerleading,  working out - which she did everyday, or sharing her love and kindness with her family, friends and animals.  Becky was a cheerleader from grades 5 through 12. 

     In her senior year, she was an all-American and selected to cheerlead at the Hula-Bowl in Hawaii.  She was really proud of these accomplishments.
     Becky’s principles of honesty, trust and integrity, which she learned in catholic school, carried her through everyday life.   She never asked for help or assistance.  She was determined to make it on her own, even if it meant working 2 jobs while she was going to school.

     Becky had more clothes than any one bedroom apartment was meant to hold. 

And then,... she had even more shoes.  But her favorite shoes were her Chuck Taylor's.
And if you hadn’t guessed, along with that pretty dress she’s wearing today, she is also wearing her favorite Chuck Taylor tennis shoes.

     Everyone who knew Becky knew of her love for animals.   Becky was so compassionate about animals!  When she graduated from high-school,  she took her money and went out to shop for a stereo.  Instead, she fell in love with a Dalmatian, and called home to see if it was okay to bring Bailey home. 

She had three cats, (Jaws, Zaida and Boozer) that she rescued from abandoned situations.  She became a card-carrying member of PETA and could be found protesting the circus, and other animal unfriendly events.  She often joked about wearing a T-shirt to the Cleveland rib-roast that said “Meat is Murder.”

     Becky was not just a vegetarian, she was a Vegan.  She ate no animal by-products, which includes dairy products.  Becky was so excited with her  “Vegan” Thanksgiving dinner,  this past year, complete with tofu turkey and humus!

     No matter how much teasing she got from her friends and family, she stuck to her convictions.  And we respected her BECAUSE she stood up for her beliefs.

     Becky was very health-conscious. She never drank to excess.  She wouldn’t take drugs, not even prescription drugs.  She believed she was strong enough to handle her illness on her own.

     Perhaps it would have been easier for us all if Becky’s battle had been with a physical illness; one we could see or one that the doctor’s could measure.   But Becky’s illness finally overcame her.

     Becky would not want us to be sad today.  (Of course,  she would want us to all join PETA!)  So when you think of Becky, remember that beautiful smile, her kindness, and her fighting spirit.  She fought a good fight for many years.  She now is in God’s arms. 

     May she rest in peace and not be tormented by her illness any longer.

     We love you Becky and we’ll miss you.