Susan Kay Becker

Susan Kay Becker, 78, died on Monday, June 10, at Park Centre in Newton. She was born in Iowa City,

Iowa, on November 24, 1945, to parents Joseph F. (Joe) and Velva Stitt Becker, who were then residing in Grinnell. At age 4, Susan contracted measles and developed encephalitis, which caused brain damage. At age 8, Susan enrolled in a Catholic boarding school in Jefferson, Wisconsin. She attended St. Coletta for ten years and then Dallas Academy in Texas for four years. Susan’s Catholic faith was

an anchor for her throughout her life.

Susan worked as a dietary aide at Skiff Hospital for over 40 years. Her work there provided her with financial independence and valued social interaction. She developed strong lifetime friendships with her co-workers.

Susan was hit by a car in 2010 while riding her bicycle to work and spent several months in hospitals and rehab. This accident triggered Susan’s retirement and her entry into the “every day is Saturday” life. She spent her time going to church, attending the Sacred Heart Prayer Shawl group, the San Damiano secular Franciscan fraternity, visiting her friends, and watching “Days of Our Lives,” the Hallmark Channel, EWTN the Catholic Channel, and golden oldies like “The Waltons.”

In January 2020, Susan moved to Park Centre where she enjoyed the activities and social interaction. The staff there embraced her as family. This move was a lifeline for Susan during the coronavirus pandemic.

Throughout her life, Susan demonstrated remarkable independence and resilience. Despite the difficulties she faced, she had an indomitable spirit and a sunny outlook on life. She was seldom seen without a big smile. Susan’s life is exemplified by this quote from St. Francis: “A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows.” Susan embraced life with a big hug and never let go, until cancer overwhelmed her body—but never her spirit.

Susan was preceded in death by her grandparents, her parents Velva and Joe Becker, her brother Brian, and several cousins. Those left to honor Susan’s memory are her sister Barbara Becker (Kate Houston), her niece Brooke Smith, great-nephews Tristan Smith and Brayden Smith, great-niece Addisyn Smith, dear first cousins, and many friends.

Heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Park Centre and Wesley Life Hospice for their care and kindness to Susan during her terminal cancer journey.

A Mass will be held on Friday, June 14, at 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Newton, with visitation at 1:00 p.m. A social hour with light snacks will be held from 3:00-4:15 p.m., and burial at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery at 4:30 p.m.