Elizabeth Pullinger

Elizabeth Pullinger VIRGINIA BEACH - On Tuesday, Dec. 9, Elizabeth "Becky" Pullinger, beloved mother, grandmother, great -grandmother, aunt and friend ended her courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease at her home in Virginia Beach. She was 89 years old. Becky was born May 29, 1919, in Vineland, N.J., to the late Grace and Aquila Elwell. Her father worked for Prudential Insurance Co. for 35 years and then became a highly-respected Methodist minister after he retired. Becky had six siblings, Grace, George, William, Samuel, Raymond and Walter. Becky is survived by her son, Robert S. Pullinger (and by his life partner, Ress Kao, who loved Becky like a mother), and by her daughter, Carol E. Summers of Virginia Beach; her granddaughter, Sondra Gittle, and her three children Robert, Emily and Katelyn; another granddaughter, Kathy Pullinger, and her children, Amber and Joe, all of Cape May, N.J.; and grandson, Robert Pullinger, of Seattle. Becky has nieces and nephews throughout the country including Kathleen, Mary Carol, Grace, Sam, Paddy and Jimmy. She is also survived by wonderful friends who were also part of her family including the Pattersons, the Seutters and the Josephs. Becky was predeceased in 1970 by her beloved 33-year-old son, William Aquila, who gave his life in service of his country. If he had lived, he was going to follow in his grandfather's footsteps to become a Methodist minister as well. Becky always had an unwavering belief in God and the goodness of mankind. She was a Past Matron and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star of New Jersey, Penns Grove Chapter No. 86, for 61 years. Until she retired, Becky had a succession of successful careers as a hard-working homemaker, salesperson and bookkeeper/receptionist. However, her greatest happiness came from being a mother, a job for which she was eminently well suited and at which she excelled. Becky married at 16 and had her son, Bill, at 17, so she had 72 years to hone her motherhood skills. Throughout the entirety of her life, Becky was an avid fan of many activities including cooking, reading, music, football, basketball, visiting the beach and attending great parties, large or small. She always loved her Virginia Cavaliers and was affectionately called "Ma Hoo." The family extends its sincerest gratitude and love to the wonderful people at the M.E. Cox Center for Elder Day Care, Family Care Senior Solutions, Sentara's Hospice Program and Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia for helping to keep Becky healthy, happy and safe in her later years. The family extends an extra special thanks to Lanesha, Edith and Sue who loved Becky and treated her like their own family. She was always surrounded by love and happiness. Thank you also to her nurses, especially Wanda, Maggie and Linda and to the substitute aides. All of these people helped Becky and her family weather the stormy seas and enjoy the calm ones. We thank you with all of our hearts. Becky never met a stranger and lived life to the fullest until the very end. She was always more interested in taking care of the needs of others than her own. She died the same way she lived her life - with great dignity, courage and strength. She will forever be loved, missed and celebrated. Even until the last, her daughter would always look forward to the end of the day so she could go home to her mom and best friend. Thank you from all of us for all of the wonderful years of continuous laughter and great memories! A chapel service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday in H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Laskin Road Chapel. Burial will follow at Princess Anne Memorial Park. The family will receive friends in the funeral home Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.hdoliver.com. There will be a reception following the burial; the address to be announced.