Deceased Date Unknown
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In Memory
I knew how fortunate I was to be placed in Valentine with Becky from the moment I received a three-page typed letter from her before we arrived at Amherst for freshman year. Her wit and energy shone through even before I officially met her, and somehow, I was lucky enough to room with her for the rest of our college years.
Becky wrote for The Amherst Student, played on the volleyball team, wrote brilliantly, studied Russian and political science, graduated, made documentaries for her film degree from USC, did quality control for videogames, taught elementary school for 10 years in Los Angeles’ Watts district, got her degree focusing on geriatrics, taught ESL online and offered enormous help from a distance to her Aunt Barbara. Too many of you know how stressful that can be, caring for elderly relatives, and Becky gave her heart to it, just as she did to every challenge she faced.
I know many of us have special memories of Becky. I remember us running barefoot one winter night to Pratt basement (former offices of The Amherst Student), wearing pajamas (I don’t remember why, except we both were senior editors and that must have had something to do with it); doing our laundry while bopping to the B-52s; so many other things… but most of all, I remember her gentle yet strong encouragement and unconditional love and support throughout our 40-year friendship.
The week before suffering the heart attack that took her from us, Becky texted me: “You know anytime you need me, I’m here.” Carol, Becky’s wife, is quick to assure us that it is true—Becky is here with us, finally free of the stress and worries that took so much from her during the past year.
Pat Oey ’85