Tributes - Becky Rebello
November 13, 1963 - October 22, 2000
by Tricia McMahon
I will always remember the moment Becky walked into our breast cancer support gathering. Cheryl and I had attended a benefit concert two years prior but we neither saw or met her at that time due to the overwhelming number of people present that evening in support of Becky and her family. To be meeting her now, at our monthly Threads of Hope support gathering, was awe-inspiring. Although tiredness and on-going physical struggles prevented her from joining us every month, when she did come she exuded grace and blessing, even in the midst of any fear. Her laughter and her tears touched us all.
Resilient. Courageous. Spirited.
Becky loved life and gave fully and deeply of herself to every person, every moment. I didn't have the pleasure of knowing her before her diagnosis of breast cancer (which even then had already metastasized), but it was an honor to know her the last two years of her earthly life. Becky was an incredible listener--always asking me about my life, work, projects, plans...when I was at her house in support of her! "How's Cheryl? How's the HERS Foundation? How are you?" Her questions were endless; her concern sincere. Because I am trained in body massage, Becky would readily ask me to rub her back, her arms, her feet. I was so glad to be able to offer some degree of comfort and care for her, and have that time together. In truth she was equally caring for me. I always left her presence feeling even more loved and inspired by her.
For five years Becky, her husband Mark, their 2 sons--Joshua and Adam, and extended family and friends faced her disease. Chemotherapy treatments and radiation became constants in their life. Becky always had hope for a cure but was also realistic about dying. For as long as I knew her, she and Mark shared as openly as they could with their sons so that they would, as best as possible, know their Mommy is safe and free of pain in heaven.
Courageous. Spirited. Resilient. Becky helped all of us to accept our sorrow, face our fear and embrace life.
Becky was co-chair, along with Bernie Dutra, of our first annual KEEP ABREAST 5k run/walk event on October 7, 2000.
Back in August Cheryl and I hesitated to even ask Becky to be involved because we knew her health was fragile. Little did we know how meaningful the event would be to so many people, as well as to Becky herself and her family.
Everyone present in the meadow that Saturday morning will always remember the moment when Becky--her body frail yet resounding, invited all of us to a moment of silence in honor of those who have faced breast cancer--"whether they are with us in body or in spirit" Becky, thank you for your powerful presence that day; a day that will live on forever for the HERS Foundation and for all who participated.
Becky died at home on Sunday morning, October 22, 2000 surrounded by family and friends, held together by love. There was an amazingly strong wind that morning, in the moments before her last breath. Some of us couldn't help but wonder: "I think it took that strong wind to sweep Becky away...or... maybe her leaving evoked such a response from heaven and earth. Either way, there was a wind that was the stirring of the universe within and around each of us as Becky's spirit took flight."
A Father's Reflections
by Becky's father Bruce Corley:
"If there was anyone who lived the faith so joyously in her love of God, our Becky exemplified that person. Her love of family, Mark, Joshua, Adam, and so many friends, is unsurpassed. Paul Gaffey said it best! "I first met Becky when she was working at the Mission Gift Shop; and there was just something about her genuine friendliness that came through. Becky was never phony!"
When Becky was small, we couldn't keep her in her playpen. And when I built a fence around our small back porch, it
wasn't too long before she climbed right up it, and promptly fell off to the ground below!
When she was in high school, she became a very good runner on the track team, running the 100 low hurdles, and relay. She was a person who had a mission in life; to serve God and others. When we moved to another town at the start of the school year 1980-1981, she not only missed out at being Senior Class President, but had to start her senior year, as the old saying goes, "low person on the totem pole." Becky didn't go around whining and complaining, but got right into school activities. I believe there are a few friends here from her class that can testify to that fact.
Becky has always been a joy to us and her brothers and sisters. When she met Mark, I truly believe it was marriage made in Heaven. At one point in their courtship, they decided to go separate ways on a trial basis. Once when Mark called for Becky, I said, "You're coming to dinner aren't you?" He replied, "Did Becky say so?" I replied, "Mark, you will come for dinner!" The rest is history.
To quote from Paul's letter to Timothy, "I have competed well; I have finished the race. From now on the Crown of Righteousness awaits me!"
Becky now has gone from being an Angel on earth, to joining the Lord and the Angels in Heaven.
WE LOVE YOU, BECKY!