Rebecca Conrad

Rebecca Cutchin Conrad, 88, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2026, with her daughter Ann lovingly at her side after a courageous eight-year journey with Alzheimer's disease. Becky was born on January 12, 1938, in Whitakers, North Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Josiah Spencer Cutchin, Jr. and Willie Emma Hazelwood Cutchin. Becky was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years, James William Conrad; her sister, Nancy Hazelwood Cutchin Price and brother-in-law Dr. William Henry Price, of Monroe, NC. She is survived by her three children: her daughter Rebecca Ann Rosendale and her husband, John, of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina; her son James William Conrad, Jr. and his wife, Kristin, of Blacksburg, Virginia; and her son Nicholas Cutchin Conrad of Clearwater, Florida. She is also survived by five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren: Allison Planchak and her husband, Chris, and their children Ryan, William, and Maggie; Matthew Rosendale and his wife, Melissa, and their children Ivan, Andrew, and Anna; Sarah Spranger and her husband, Josh, and their children Charles, Bradley, and Ashley; James Conrad III and his partner, Jordan; and Hayley Conrad and her wife, Adrienne.

Becky grew up in Whitakers and went on to attend Madison College in Harrisonburg, Virginia, where she met the love of her life, James William Conrad. They married in 1958 and built a full and joyful life together, making their home in Northern Virginia for many years as James pursued his distinguished career as a physicist with the U.S. Department of the Navy.

Becky was a woman of deep faith, a strong intellect and southern grace. She was a devoted wife and mother who put her family first and instilled a deep sense of values in her children.

Becky lived with an enthusiasm for life that was contagious. She was an avid tennis player and skier, and she loved the beach, the outdoors, and a good book. She also enjoyed competition and competed as a member of a bridge club and later at a women's tennis team at Highlands Swim Club in McLean, VA. She and her husband James played tennis regularly and even won a Senior Olympic doubles medal. Becky was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and she and Jim were longtime participants in the Knights of Columbus community in Arlington, Virginia.

Music was at the very heart of Becky. A gifted vocalist and accomplished pianist, she expressed her faith through her music. She was a devoted member of St. John the Beloved Catholic Church in McLean, Virginia, where she sang and played organ as part of the church choir, and offered her talents as a soloist and cantor in service of her faith for decades. She sang at weddings throughout her adult life, her voice a gift she shared generously with others during some of their most cherished celebrations. She also performed in show choirs and gave solo performances at the Knights of Columbus. She was a consummate entertainer and dazzled audiences with her performances. One of her great joys was accompanying her son Nicholas on piano when he performed-a beautiful expression of the deep bond she shared with her children. Becky's beautiful voice and love of music accompanied her throughout her progression with Alzheimer's disease. She was still singing and amazing all who heard her while on her deathbed.

In her later years, Becky lived in Blacksburg, Virginia; Largo, Florida; and the Outer Banks of North Carolina-places that, in their own ways, reflected her love of family, warmth, and the water's edge.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 154 North Main Street, Harrisonburg, Virginia. Interment will follow at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens, 3289 Spotswood Trail, Harrisonburg, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Rebecca's memory to a charity of your choosing that supports music in worship or education.