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Becky Bancroft Obituary
BANCROFT,
Becky Anne
August 13th, 1952 -
January 30th, 2011
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend, Becky Anne Bancroft, who left this earth after an astounding show of strength, perseverance, and determination. Becky leaves behind a multitude of proud family members, friends, and loved ones. She is survived by her loving husband William (Billy) Bancroft; daughter, Erin Bancroft (and boyfriend Jon "Eddy" Edwards); and sons, Cory Bancroft and Casey Bancroft (and girlfriend, Natalie Braham), all of Spokane, WA; her siblings: Sandy of Reno NV; Charlie of Fresno, CA; Wendy (and husband Scott) of Mukilteo, WA; Patty of Ogden, UT; Wally of Soda Springs, ID; Becky enjoyed special closeness and bond to Billy's siblings: Bonnie of Spokane, WA; Cathy of Spokane Valley, WA; Chuck of Seattle, WA; Chris (and wife Jennifer) of Valley Center, CA; Laurie (and husband Gary) of Greenacres, WA; and Gus of Spokane WA; a precious grandson due in June; and a vast array of nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends, all whose lives were positively impacted by Becky's presence. She was preceded in death by her parents, Evelyn Wilkes of Ogden, UT; Floyd Wadman of Spokane, WA; Harley and Louise Bancroft of Greenacres, WA; sister in law and friend, Carol Aguillion; and treasured pets: Pup, Cain, Cool, and Maynard. Becky's time was spent landscaping and gardening, and her gardens were impressive and flourished under her care. She was fit and beautiful, inside and out; and both animals and children flocked to her (She is especially missed by her boxer, Mabel). Becky enjoyed photography, with a focus on sunrises and sunsets; kept a beautiful home; and took pride in treating all who entered it like family, offering hugs and a listening ear to anyone who needed her. Becky adored the Christmas season, and decorating for the holidays was the highlight of her year. She was a talented chef, and thoroughly enjoyed cooking meals like lasagna and spaghetti. She relished all kinds of music, spending much of her time listening to her husband's bands and dancing. She was also currently learning to play piano. Becky's greatest source of joy came from spending time with her family; sharing a day on the boat with loved ones; reading a good mystery novel; watching a romantic comedy; cheering on the Seattle Seahawks (or cursing at them); basking in the sun; and having a good laugh. Her humor and wit were sharp as a tack, even in the end; and her endurance and determination were a source of motivation and awe to her family. The last three months of her life were spent in the ICU at the U of W Medical Center in Seattle, being only the third person in the nation to receive liver dialysis, and opening up doors for future transplant candidates. Countless lives will be saved because of her perseverance. She was an absolute champion, and encouraged all who knew her by never giving up while waiting for her liver/kidney transplant. Becky's family asks everyone to educate themselves on organ donation, and to become registered organ donors. The legacy Becky leaves behind is that of loyalty, resolution, and tenacity. She was a blessing to all who were privileged to know her, and will continue to be an inspiration for generations to come. She will be forever missed. Memorial service for Becky will be held at Thornhill Valley Chapel, 1400 S. Pines Rd., Spokane Valley, WA, at 2pm on Saturday, February 12th.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Becky Bancroft
Letter written to the Spokesman Review by Becky
June 10, 2011
Thursday, December 24, 1998
Life-changes story had familiar ring
This is in regards to the story "A new sense of normal" (Valley Voice, Dec. 17).
I just want to say that I know the feeling of life never being the same.
I also live in the Valley and I had a liver transplant in July of 1996.
It was a long struggle for me too.
I wound up with CMV and was in the hospital twice after my transplant.
I am doing very well now, but it was a long, hard road.
I am taking only small amounts of anti-rejection medicines and I am able to work again.
Before my transplant I couldn't do anything for more than five minutes at a time. I'd sit down to rest and fall asleep immediately.
My family was under so much stress it's hard to believe we made it through intact.
I didn't feel like my body was my own. Having this new organ in me was strange. It felt too big for my body. I really felt the difference.
And the moon face I got from the Prednisone was unbelievable. My daughter told me I looked like a cabbage patch doll.
I don't worry too much about getting sick now, although I still don’t go to buffet restaurants and I don’t hug people as much as I used to.
I guess what I’m getting at is that with time (it took me two years), even though life is so different, it starts feeling normal again, in a new way.
Becky Bancroft
Greenacres
Jennifer Bancroft
February 26, 2011
Becky's light will forever shine in this World. Hopefully and until we meet again my dear sister Becky.
Bill Bancroft
February 21, 2011
The years have marked us as a weathered rock
Exposed to sun rays, wind and rain
Through all this change your beauty grows
I see you young again
And as our bodies weather on
My love for you still grows
And how this journey someday ends
That, only Heavens knows
But in my heart you'll always be
The one love meant for me
When from this earth our souls depart
Together we'll still be
Our love is such a spiritual gift
Where ever we go it's there
And when in time, we each move on
Our love will still be there
And with this love that has no end
You're more beautiful every day
There is no sun, no wind, no rain
That can weather this away
For Beck,
Love Bill
April, 2010
Suhail Ahmad, MD
February 21, 2011
Becky Bancroft was a pioneer in the field of liver support systems (or liver dialysis) at the University of Washington, to say the least. She has been among the very few at UW who have been treated with this new therapy. She was a full partner in our innovative efforts to help extend the lives of patients with end-stage liver disease. Without her help and the help of patients like her, further developments in this field would not succeed. Her contribution will help advance technologies to help severely ill patients have a better chance for life. We cannot express our gratitude enough to her and her family for volunteering themselves and being a part of our team.
Jimmy Wu, MD, MPH
Advanced Dialysis Fellow
Division of Nephrology
Department of Medicine
University of Washington Medical Center
Suhail Ahmad, MD
Professor of Medicine
Division of Nephrology
Department of Medicine
University of Washington Medical Center
Bill Bancroft
February 21, 2011
February 12, 2011
I want to start by saying thank you to everyone for being here today to celebrate the life of our Becky; wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend and my best friend.
It is worth repeating one more time the contribution Beck made these past several months in further research in the groundbreaking technology of liver dialysis. Countless lives will be enhanced and saved due to her participation in this research program. She always knew that in the future that she would be unable to donate organs so she was especially glad to be able to contribute to improved technologies for future generations.
Beck’s unshaken determination to beat this thing was and will always be inspirational to all of us. Her “never give up” attitude and her sense of humor never waned. There is no doubt that she struggled for well over a year now, but you would have never known it spending time with her. She NEVER complained, NEVER felt sorry for herself, EVER. When it came right down to it, it made her mad as hell. As you know, she never liked to lose, at anything. She might have lost this fight, but she won the most important thing in life and that was the enduring unconditional love from everyone in this room, and others far beyond these walls.
Her sense of humor was on display just days before she left us. As I was helping her with her breakfast, I was putting brown sugar on her oatmeal. As I was sprinkling it on, she started signing Brown Sugar by the Rolling Stones, I started laughing and she looks up with a big grin and says, “what, I’m just singing”?!
I could go on an on for hours because it is impossible to synopsis 30+ years of being together in one short note. I can also here her voice saying, “come on Billy, wind it up, you’re starting to bore everyone”. I hear ya Beck, I hear ya………..
So, let me just say that as Beck and I grew into adulthood together, loving each other more and more each passing day, we raised our three kids as best we could, never failing to love them with all our hearts. Beck will forever receive the most credit for this. Beck and I couldn’t have been more proud and will continue to be proud of the good people they’ve become. And now, the pending birth of our first grandchild in June will help keep Beck’s spirit and legacy alive.
There are SO many things I’ll miss about my Beck, that it’s impossible to recount them all; her smile, sense of humor, contagious laugh, her whistle that you could hear for miles, beautiful eyes, her indomitable tenacity and never give up spirit, her perseverance and her warm and loving embrace will be missed forever. I am a better man for being blessed enough to be able to share my life with her.
Thank you all for letting Beck, Erin, Cory, Casey and I be a part of your lives.
Bill
Jimmy Wu
February 17, 2011
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to provider care for you. It was a privilege to meet you and your family. Throughout the entire time you spend with us in Seattle, everyone could see how much your family loved you. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your life, and thank you for being a partner in our efforts to help many more people in the future.
David Low
February 16, 2011
Bill, Erin, Corey and Casey,
I am so very, very sorry for your loss. I pray your healing will spring from knowing how much she loved you, and how she would only want you to be happy. She was the best, and I am thankful to have known such a wonderful person as Becky.
Becky Bancroft, Honolulu HI Sept. 2009
Jennifer Bancroft
February 16, 2011
Her smile was the best! Becky will always be there for me with her smile, her laughter, zest for life, and her grace!
Debbie Campbell
February 15, 2011
Bill, I met Becky when we were in junior high along with the other kids in our group. There were so many crazy things we did and so much laughter. The band in Debbie Brower's basement, the sneaking out at night. So much love and happy memories for me and I hope just as many for you. She is not a person who is easy to forget. Thanks for the memories Becky.
Donna Bowen, RN
February 15, 2011
Bill, Erin, Casey, & Corey
Praying God brings you all peace as you begin to heal. "Becks" was a wonderfully special lady, and I am humbled to have had to opportunity to take care of her during her stay at UW Med Center. Even on her most trying of days, she still kept her sense of humor, and I loved every second I got to spend getting to know you all. I will never forget her many "wise-cracks," her love of a good "chick-flick," how passionately she loved her family, and of course, the story of how Bill and Becky became engaged on Christmas Eve night. You all have touched my heart in such a special way. I know that Becky is smiling down on you all, and that little Grandson that's a-comin' has his very own guardian angel watchin' out for him. Sending you all hugs and prayers.
God Bless~
Leslie Peterson
February 15, 2011
Many memories at junior high, and high school, She loved music, dance, the beach, a tan, good food. The last time I spent time with her was in 2000 for our high school reunion. I will cherish that time with Becky and Bill. She was amazing, lived life to the fullest, and never gave up on anyone, not even herself. She will be a light shining ever in our hearts. Leslie Peterson
Rebecca Roger
February 15, 2011
I will always remember Becky as a "green thumb". She brought violets to us at work that she had raised, and they were beautiful! I will never forget her kindness, and laughter. I will always remember something she said at a team meeting. It was Thanksgiving week, and we went around saying what we were thankful for, and Becky said that she was so thankful that she was given another chance to spend more time with her family. That by far was the most gracious thing anyone said at the table, about giving thanks. I will miss her very much!
Jennifer Bancroft
February 14, 2011
A beautiful Lady, who loved her family with all her heart, so I know that she will watch over each and everyone of you. She will be missed but always in our thoughts.
February 12, 2011
Bill,
After looking through your collection of photo memories,we were touched most by the long history of your loving companionship. From such a young age you shared your lives! Most of us will never know a love story like yours...so much hand-in-hand enjoyment of life and experience. Beck was there with, and for you, and you with and for her. What an amazing journey!
God made only one like Beck, and he saw fit to bless your life with her, and her life with you. We looked through your photos and said to each other: "...Now THAT'S what love is all about!"
To Beck's family, we offer our deep condolences, and prayers. To God we offer our thanks for allowing us a brief chance to be touched by such a beautiful and loving person.
God speed Beck. We know you'll always be by Bill's side.
Love,
Pam and Paul Mata
JOE ANTONUCCI
February 12, 2011
TO THE BANCROFT FAMILY AND FRIENDS. WE KNEW BECKY THROUGH BILL AND HEARD ALL THE WONDERFUL STORIES ABOUT THE KIDS AND HER EFFORTS. I PERSONALLY MET BECKY WITH BILL AT A DINNER IN SPOKANE YEARS AGO, WHAT A WONDERFULLY CARING AND BEAUTIFUL WOMAN SHE WAS, ESPECIALLY AFTER ALL HER STRUGGLES. OUR PRAYS AND THOUGHTS GO OUT TO BILL AND THE KIDS.
LIZ AND JOE ANTONUCCI
Jeannie Robinette
February 9, 2011
I just talked to an old friend who let me know the sad sad news. Becky was a frind of mine when we were in our teens. She was such a good person and I will never forget her. To all of the family, I am so very sorry for your loss. May God bless her soul! I love you Becky, R.I.P..
February 9, 2011
Bill, I am so sorry for your loss. More than words can say. What a wonderful, sweet lady. We were all fortunate to share part of her life. God Bless, Dave Winslow
Jennifer Bancroft
February 7, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Never Forgotten!..Always Loved!
Karen Stimson Jay
February 6, 2011
I'm so very sad that Becky is gone! She had a lot of life left to live! I've been her friend since 1973 and the whole time I thought, "where did you come from"? I was always in awe of her, so beautiful, caring, and fiercly smart and funny. She could do everything better than I could. She was a real artist in every sense of the word. She could make anything beautiful. She worked hard always and made the best of what she had. I think she made a huge effort to fill her life to the fullest. She didn't waste time complaining; she got up and got busy..It helps to know that she did have a wonderful life with Billy and her kids! I'll miss her every day! All Of My Love, Karen
Mike Kestell MD
February 4, 2011
Bill,
It was a pleasure taking care of Becky for the past 17 years. She always showed grace under adversity even during Floyd's last year of life and through her initial transplant. I know the last year was arduous for all of you, and was chagrined to hear of her passing in Seattle. You and she are in my thoughts.
February 4, 2011
Dear family members of Becky, We are so very sorry for your lose. Becky was an amazing person. She was always so sweet and everyone who met her loved her. We were so lucky to be able to spend some time with her a few years ago when she came to Ogden, We will treasure that memory and the pictures we got of her. She has left us also with a void in our hearts.
Our hearts and prayers go out to you.
Kevin & Thelma Grogan
Ogden, Utah
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