An undrawn sketch, a silent cello, an undelivered package. Two undisciplined nephews and an unpaid Rebel Farm bill. A canceled trip to Devizes, and ‘Aunts Day’ no longer celebrated. An unchallenged argument, a blank 2022 calendar, an unopened Stella. A smile turned down, and a cheerless volleyball victory. But triumph came after four years of gallant and fearless battle against an insurmountable and extensive cancer, when Rebecca crossed the ultimate and eternal borders to join her beloved Richard. Surely, they are now together again, enjoying their favorite song “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.
She accomplished her goals of life – more so than most. Rebecca was an independently courageous champion of objectivity, honesty, justice, and fairness to all. She gave of herself in every describable dimension. She gave unconditionally as a second mother to her devoted nephews, Alex and Ian. Because of her love for them, she never gave up or gave in, but demanded respect, cooperation, and performance. She possessed her own personally designed inspirations of what her spiritual beliefs should be, never wavering under external influences. She was always inspired by and infatuated with worldly attractions and married an Englishman to prove it, because she loved him.
She was a dedicated student of the truth and admired the arts she learned at the University of Wisconsin, at the Graduate School of Design at Harvard, and through the experience of participating in designing the proposed Olympic Village for The Netherlands. From all this pedagogical experience she thrust forth her interests in and capabilities for art and design, to generate illustrations and sketches of life surrounding her. Her unique interpretations and style of what art should be in all dimensions were ones that others could never match!
While drawings, music, travel, and worldliness dominated her life, she also developed many close relationships with people. In her modest, humble, conservative approach, in addition to her family, she warmly made friends with whomever she met … many long-lasting friendships were made at USPS, with family relatives from afar, and with the ‘guys next door’. When she carried mail, never did her background show through so that it would be construed to be beneath a Harvard grad driving a mail truck. In fact, she made light of it and often chuckled about such an unusual comparison. This was in plain site during her terminal illness when scores of fellow employees came to bid her farewell. Wherever she walked she attracted lasting friends that will never be forgotten. Rebecca was a “person for all seasons” – talented, personable, cooperative, congenial, and understanding. Her character never lost its firm footing and was much loved and remembered with ardent admiration affording the ultimate of respect. You could always count on her to say what she believed with no frills and with firmness, but pleasantly.
After COVID-19, friends & relatives will be contacted about a special service for Rebecca in Madison!