Kathryn Becker

Dear Friends and Family, We are planning a memorial for this summer to celebrate the life of our beloved Mother, Sister, Grandmother and friend, Kathy Becker. She has lived a wonderful life full of love and there is much to be thankful for. She had a great love for the waters of West Grand Traverse Bay and has asked that her remains be scattered there. Therefore, we will gather at the pavilion in Greilickville Harbor Park between 10am-2pm on August 5th, 2023. There we will share memories, eat food from her favorite recipes, and commemorate a life well lived. We would be honored to have your attendance for this special gathering. With Love, Cherrie, Brett, Brianne, and Kevin Date: August 5th, 2023 Place: Greilickville Harbor Park 13133 S W Bay Shore Dr Traverse City, MI 49684 Time: 10am-2pm **Please Note- If you plan to stay in a hotel, they tend to fill quickly in the summer months. RSVP to Brianne via text at 231-624-1894 Kathryn Ann Becker, 74, of Traverse City, passed away quietly at home, surrounded by loved ones, on March 22, 2023. She passed after a short but fierce battle with cancer. She was born in Detroit, December 12, 1948, daughter to Donald R. and Dorothy R. (Mattoon) Farmer. Kathryn spent more than 30 years as a resident of Traverse City, and was a lover of all things “up north.” Many days were spent with toes in West Bay, enjoying warm sand, fresh breezes, sunsets, and cherries. Her sense of adventure took her around the world, often accompanied by her dearest Sisterbelle; her travels included Mexico and Europe, Japan, and domestically from the Atlantic dunes to the beaches of Hawai’i. She was an accomplished gardener, her flowers admired by passers-by who would knock on her door to share compliments and ask for her secrets. Her talents extended into the arts; she excelled in such media as stained glass, papercraft, photography, and painting. The making of beautiful things was one of her greatest joys. A true child of the 60s, she was a life-long supporter of women’s rights and progressive values, instilling ideals of justice, equality, and integrity in her children. Her career revolved around breaking traditional barriers in the field of information technology; she was a self-taught computer programmer in a time when men dominated the field of living-room sized mainframes. She built her own business, writing software for regional clients including Sun Steel, Manistee 911, Century Sun, Peninsula Telephone, and many others. Ultimately, she retired as Technology Director for Glen Lake Schools, where she enjoyed being an integral member of the Laker family. Kathryn’s greatest adventure and greatest love was her own family. She was a devoted single mother who was completely dedicated to her children and grandchildren, always with an open ear and an open heart. Her home was warm and welcoming, filled with laughter, music, and a considerable number of furry friends. She will be remembered as a joyful, creative soul, and her passing a loss felt by all those lucky enough to have known her. She is survived by her children, Brett (Rebecca); Brianne (Pete); Kevin (Kathleen); grandchildren Claire (9); Aiden (7); Lilith (11); Sisterbelle Cheryl, as well as extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by husband Lauren and parents Donald and Dorothy. A celebration of Kathryn’s life will be announced at a later date. Kindly direct memorial contributions in Kathryn’s honor to The Children’s Heart Foundation, which is an organization near to her and her family’s heart. Memories and condolences may be shared on Kathryn’s tribute page, www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Kathryn Becker

December 12, 1948 - March 22, 2023