RITA JULIA BECKER

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RITA JULIA BECKER (VAN PARYS) October 25, 1932 - March 20, 2003 Tragically in her home in Elm Creek, MB, Mom passed away peacefully and began her journey to Heaven. She leaves to mourn her passing, her children, Dennis (Emily), Shirley McIntyre (Don), Ken, Carole Sampson (Russ), Glen (Doris), Susan Sisson (Don), Bonnie Johnson (Ray), Brad (Susan), Donna (Tom Rafuse) and Kathy Becker-Waschuk (Gary) 19 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; her brothers, Bill Van Parys (Ethel) and Eddie Van Parys (Arlie) two sisters, Alice Thompson and Roseanne Curtis (Ed) as well as many other family members and friends. She was predeceased by her son Edward in 1976; husband Ted in 1983; son Raymond in 1990; dear friend Claude Morden in 1993 and daughter-in-law Suzanne in 2000. Rita was born and grew up in Yorkton, SK, one of seven children to Hector and Katherine Van Parys. She met her husband Ted Becker in Yorkton and married in 1950, making their home on a farm southeast of Elm Creek. Mom worked hard on the farm with the livestock, gardening and traditional farm work, while raising 12 children. She enjoyed gardening, canning and cooking for her family and all the many friends we brought home for meals. She was famous for her potato and cheese perogies, which have been found in freezers across southern Manitoba and have also flown around the world. Mom continued to be a pillar of strength over the years, during the loss of her sons and husband. She had her own battle in 1996 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, but overcame it through her strong belief in God and through the love and support of her family. In recent years, Mom enjoyed spending time with her family, attending church at St. Marys Catholic Church in Elm Creek and walking next door to have her daily cup of coffee with her neighbor and dear friend, Alice Bourgeois. She could be found some mornings at 5:00 a.m. with 15 dozen perogies laid out on her kitchen table. If she wasnt making perogies, she was busily working on book after book of word search puzzles. It was hard to surprise her with a book she hadnt already done! Moms greatest passion though was her love for her family. She served as the backbone, often carrying our burdens as is they were her own. You no longer have burdens to bear Mom, as God has taken the weight from your shoulders and placed it on His, guiding you to a peaceful place in Heaven. Special thanks to the Elm Creek Fire Department for all your efforts that morning. "The silence of your absence is deafening to our ears Mom! We love you forever and will miss you always till we see you again in Heaven." Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Monday, March 24 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Marys Catholic Church in Elm Creek, MB. Interment to follow in Elm Creek Catholic Cemetery. In compliance with Moms wishes, we graciously decline flowers and ask that you make a donation to a charity of your choice. Doyles of Carman in care of arrangements, 745-2045.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 22, 2003