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Rebecca Marie Wolf Windham Waak

Rebecca Marie Wolf Windham Waak obituary

Rebecca Waak Obituary

Rebecca Marie Wolf Windham Waak 1947 - 2012 After a valiant 2-year fight with breast cancer, Becky Waak passed away on October 7th, 2012. She was 64 years old. She died peacefully at home, in Austin, surrounded by her loving family. Becky was born outside of Johnson City, Texas on the family ranch on December 27th, 1947 to Charlie and Bashie Wolf. Becky attended public schools in Johnson City, graduating from Lyndon B. Johnson High School in 1966. She was a 4-year letterman on the basketball team. Becky sang in the women's a cappella choir, and played piano and sang in the church. Becky first attended college at Mary Hardin Baylor College, studying Music with a concentration in Piano. She later graduated Summa Cum Laude from Southwest Texas State University with a degree in Organizational Behavior and Development, and completed her Masters of Arts at the University of Texas at Austin in Human Resource Development Leadership with highest honors. Becky raised her daughter Christine as a single parent until she met Roger Waak. Christine grew up in Austin and graduated from Texas A&M University in 1993. Christine lives in Seattle and works in Information Technology for Alaska Airlines. Becky is survived by her husband Roger; children Christine, Erika, and Graham; and her beloved wire fox terrier Barkley. Becky married Roger Waak in 1987. They celebrated 25 years of marriage on April 12th, 2012. Over the years, Becky and Roger traveled to Hawaii, China, Mexico, all over Europe. Throughout her life, Becky was a lifelong advocate of equal opportunity, social justice, and progressive politics. Becky retired from the state of Texas in 2000 after 28 years of service. She began government service in the German Department at the University of Texas at Austin, but most of her career was at the Texas Department of Human Services and the Texas Department of Health. While at the Department of Human Services Becky initiated and developed the first federally funded grant application for HIV for the state of Texas and Served as Chairperson of the State Interagency Committee on AIDS. She continued her work on AIDS programs after transferring to the Department of Health. At retirement she was Director of Policy and Planning for Disease Control and Prevention. After retirement Becky became a member of Travis County Master Gardeners, where she was president for two years. She taught propagation classes, and planned and organized the Fern Garden at Zilker Gardens. Becky led a full life that included skiing, travel, photography, gardening, and politics. Please join us at the Red Oak Ballroom at 2525 W. Anderson Lane, Suite 365, Austin, TX 78757, on Sunday between 2 PM-5 PM for a celebration of her life. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Breast Cancer Resource Center. ([email protected] or (512) 544-0900). One of Becky's favorite quotes was "If I can't be a good example, I'll just have to be a horrible warning." She would want it to be said that processed and genetically modified foods contribute to the cancer epidemic.

Published by Austin American-Statesman on Oct. 11, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
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As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

NICA MCLENDON

October 15, 2012

I will always remember Becky's gardening. The peaceful sounds of the water and frogs floating across the fence at night will stay with me. Becky was genuinely interested in sustainable living and spoke passionately of green building. I will miss her waving over from the garden.

Hale

October 13, 2012

I first met Becky when I started my first real job in Austin. She was my cube-neighbor and first-ever workplace friend and mentor. I admired her ethics, her commitment, and the big difference she made for AIDS victims in our state. I still remember and reflect on her advice from that time we worked together.

Sleep well, my friend. Yours is one of the voices that guides me.

Kerry

October 13, 2012

I enjoyed working with Becky at both DHS and the Health Department. I admired and appreciated her many skills and talents. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.

Carol Peters

October 12, 2012

Sweet Becky, you will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this difficult time.

Joelyn W

October 11, 2012

I remember Becky from our days working in the same division at the Department of Human Services. I respected her skill, appreciated her great personality, and know that she made a big difference with her work. She will be missed by all her friends and colleagues.

Kent Gummerman

October 11, 2012

Dear Becky,
Thank you so much for being a part of my life. I am so grateful to you and Roger for accepting Glen and I and considering us friends. I'm also grateful for your being there for me when Glen passed. Please say hi to him for me.
With much love.

Patrick Soffner

October 11, 2012

Becky was a good neighbor. I think of her every time I go into my garage. We will miss seeing her work in her lovely yard and it will always be a reminder of her and the love of her garden.

Maggie/Oscar Amos

October 11, 2012

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