Christine Marie Becker

Christine Marie Becker, 75, joined God's kitchen crew on Nov. 14, 2025. She and her husband of 45 years, Larry, were longtime members of First Congregational Church of Akron. It was at First Church that Chris found her true gift for ministry: Using food to create community.

She formed the Sunday Bakers, groups of members who baked treats for the congregation's after-church gatherings. She was a stalwart volunteer at the Feeding Hope Food Pantry (where she checked people in and was known as the Candy Lady), and facilitated Meet 'n Eat monthly gatherings at local restaurants. She was involved with the holiday-themed Breakfasts with Santa and the Bunny. And any time members were asked to supply baked goods for events, you knew a Chris Becker creation would be included.

Family was everything for Chris. "Mimi" doted on her grandchildren, Cassidy and Aiden, fierce in their defense. She was a good listener and was proud of the peace symbol tattoo she and Cassie had gotten together. She would do much of her Christmas shopping during family outings to art festivals such as Yankee Peddler, Ohio Mart and the Christmas Connection, finding thoughtful gifts for her family and friends.

Few people knew that Chris had been adopted. Her daughter Anna McCallion traced her birth family and presented Chris with this information, making 2019 one of the best Christmases ever. Unaware of Chris's offbeat sense of humor, when the Beckers and Bahens first met Chris said, "I guess you're all wondering why I called you here. I need a kidney." Then she laughed and her new siblings realizing they had a prankster among them. Many people will miss the snarky Christmas cards they received each year.

Actually, laughter was an almost necessary part of any family gathering. Members goaded each other until all were giggling helplessly. It was this sense of humor that leavened the many years Chris struggled with her weight. When she and Larry joined Weight Watchers, her dogged determination brought her such success that friends who had not seen her in years did not at first recognize her.

She was a Hallmark movie afficionado, taping entire seasons and then watching them well into spring each year. Yes, she cried at bit, but that's because she loved movies with a happy ending.

She had a career at Ohio Bell, but found her true calling with Welcome Wagon and as a volunteer with Meals on Wheels.

Calling hours are December. 5 from 2-3 p.m. at First Congregational Church. Services will follow at 3. The family asks in lieu of flowers, donations be directed to the Feeding Hope Food Pantry at First Congregational Church.