Rebecca Brooke Scelza

1976 - 2026

 It is with great sadness that we share the passage into heaven of Becka, our daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, on March 15, 2026, with her family surrounding her in love.  

     To know Becka was to love her.  Her loving, giving heart was a joyful gift to many and truly the essence of who she was.

     Becka was born on November 15, 1976, at her family home in Albany, Vt.  As a child she and her brothers loved the many animals we raised on the family homestead.  At eight years old, Becka started taking riding lessons from Fran O'Reilly in Glover. She was a natural equestrian, dedicated to learning everything about horseback riding and animal care.  All could see the passion in her eyes and the love in her heart.

     At the age of ten, Lady, Becka's first horse became a part of the family.  She rode her from morning til night, loving every second.  Continuing lessons with Fran, Becka also joined 4-H and performed in her first horse show at the Barton Fairgrounds with Lady, winning the Grand Championship.  Becka and Lady continued to compete, winning most of the Jumping Competitions they participated in.  As Becka grew, High Power, a 16 feet 2 inch thoroughbred, joined the family.

     Becka enjoyed being an active member of DECA and participating in competitions under the leadership of her teacher, Bill Rivard. When Becka graduated from Lake Region High School, she attended Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, where she graduated with a Marketing Degree.

      After graduation her sense of adventure called her on a journey to drive across the United States, stopping at national parks, enjoying the beauty of our country.  She especially loved Zion and Bryce Canyon. Her travels lead her to California to visit friends and later accept a job at UC Santa Cruz.  She delighted in both the California coast and the mountains.  In time Becka moved to Boulder, Colorado, sharing a home with her lifelong best friend, Janine.  She loved her job there.  She and Janine loved hiking in the mountains and the friends they made there. Becka always felt grateful to share these wonderful experiences with Janine. 

     When Becka returned to Vermont, she became even more interested in spirituality and healing of every kind. She received her Reiki Certification, which she often used on animals, ones she cared for and those who were drawn to her wherever she traveled.    Many called her an Animal Whisperer.

     From early childhood into adulthood Becka cherished family vacations to Cape Cod.  She loved climbing the sand dunes, building sandcastles, walking the beach, and gathering rocks and shells with her brothers, mom, and Gramme. 

     She also loved visiting Italy!  Always interested in Art History and Italian culture, Becka visited museums and churches, admiring the beautiful creations of so many Italian artists and sculptors.  She explored the ancient ruins of Pompei and Pasteum, always in awe of the brilliance it took to build these ancient structures.

     Becka so loved nature. She enjoyed kayaking on Crystal Lake and hiking the many trails around Willoughby Lake

     She had a great sense of humor...she was an avid reader since childhood, always carrying a book with her wherever she went...she was an amazing gardener and loved flowers, always bringing her mom bouquets throughout the year.

     The love in Becka's heart was deep, her caring for others even deeper. She was loved by many, both humans and animals alike.  Becka carried an unconditional love in her heart and will be deeply missed by so many whose lives she touched. Becka had a deep faith in God, in angels, and she believed in the power of prayer.  Her faith could not be extinguished.  Her prayers were so genuine. Now she will be our angel in heaven, always watching over us.

     She is survived by her mother, Sharon, her father, Tom, her brother Todd, her brother Tyler (and wife Dawn), her nieces Lindsey (and husband, Jake), Tyra, and Harley.  She is predeceased by her grandparents Lois and Jack English and Jeanne and Angelo Scelza.

     A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, a permanent bench in Becka's memory will be placed at a local area animal shelter in remembrance of Becka's deep love and affection of all living creatures.  As Becka would want, a portion of donations will be given to the Frontier Animal Society to all who come there for help.  Donations may be sent to: Marie George 90 Herrick Street, Newport, VT 05855.