Mary Catherine Becker (Mom)
Posted: July 20th, 2015
Mary Catherine Becker was born on January 7th, 1922 in Abbey, Saskatchewan to James Haggart and Catherine McQuarrie from Nova Scotia. She was born as the first daughter into what became a large family of 12. She is predeceased by her brothers, Daniel, David, James, Bennie, Charlie, and George; her sisters, Lorraine, Lillian, and Margery; her father, James; her mother, Catherine; her first husband, James Chapman; her second husband, Alexander Becker; and her grandson, Graeme Porter. Mary is survived by her daughter, Myrna (Keith) Porter and their children, Sean and his son, Keenan, Devin (Alexandria) and their son, Xavior, and Kendra; her daughter, Norma Jean Lindsay (Ray Fewer) and her children, Brad and Kimberly; her daughter, Edith (Tim) Peddly; her sister, Pearl Becker; her brother, Wayne Haggart; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mom lived a full and happy life. She worked hard growing up in Abbey to earn enough money to be able to go to Normal School in Moose Jaw to become a school teacher. She taught in one room schools and enriched many children’s lives. She met her first husband, Jim Chapman at this time in her life and had a beautiful daughter, Myrna. Tragedy struck and she lost her love in an overturned canoe in the South Saskatchewan River while they were living in Empress, Alberta.
Mom struggled through this and eventually married Alexander Becker and had two more children, Norma and Edith. They moved to Gull Lake and farmed just north of Carmichael, Saskatchewan. They farmed and raised cattle. Mom was very industrious and she and Alex were able to build a good life in Gull Lake, involved in the community and making many treasured friendships.
In 1978 they moved to Medicine Hat where they settled into the community. They travelled to many places and were involved with the Hill Billy Band, Citizen’s Advocacy, bowling, and the Moose. Mom continued her love of painting and writing.
She loved her children and grandchildren and spent many hours moulding them into loving and responsible adults. She always had time for everyone, and always had a pot of soup or a cup of tea available and readily offered. She kept busy canning, sewing, cooking, and cleaning. She never let anything get her down. She kept contact with family through letters and maintained friendships from her days at Normal School in Moose Jaw.
As age began to catch up both her and Alex moved to the Valleyview Care Centre and she lost Alex after 62 years of marriage.
Mom passed away on Friday, July 17th, 2015 peacefully at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital Palliative Care Unit. She will be sadly missed because she was the rock and the foundation that instilled us with the importance of love, forgiveness, family, hard work and the beauty of all that surrounds us.
The Funeral Service will be held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1 Dunmore Road SE, on Tuesday, July 21st, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. with Gary W. Goran officiating. Memorial gifts in Mary’s memory may be made to Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation, 124, 430 – 6th Avenue SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 2S8. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Mary Becker. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599
so very for your loss. She was a lovely lady.
So sorry to hear about Mary’s passing. She was such a sweet lady and always made a crummy day into a better one! She always put a smile on your face. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Hugs and love!