Rebecca Aileen Melechinsky

Rebecca Aileen (Adams) Melechinsky, "Becky", passed away suddenly of natural causes in her home on October 27th, 2025, at the age of 71.  She is survived by her husband, Gary Melechinsky, and her 5 children: Joseph (Marjorie), Maria (Joey), Thomas (Mariann), Andrew (Lucie), and Sally, and 25 grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Will Adams, her sister Sandy Fisher, and predeceased by her father and mother, Will and Aileen Adams, and her brother David Adams.  

Becky was born in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, 1954, the youngest of 4 siblings.  Her father passed away when she was one year old.  From countless stories she told, she had a wonderful and full childhood, surrounded by a loving extended family. She met her future husband, Gary, while in college at Austin Pea University where she was majoring in Art and Physics. Becky was first introduced to Catholicism when she noticed Gary's scapular while they were working on a float for a parade, and asked him what it was.  She was drawn to the truths of the Faith, and after much studying was baptized and confirmed in 1973 while still in college. After graduating four years of college with a Bachelor of Arts degree, she moved to Monroe, CT, to be near the Traditional Catholic center and Gary's family.  They were married in 1978, and lived in CT for a few years before moving to St. Marys, shortly after the birth of their second child, having decided that would be the best place to raise their family.

Becky and Gary arrived in St. Marys in 1982, in the early "pioneer" days of the SSPX parish.  Times were challenging for a young woman who was used to a very different life, but she was determined always to do whatever research and put in any effort necessary to do it well.  From helping the budget by learning to cook from scratch, gardening, cleaning and cooking rabbits and freshly caught fish, to making clothes, she always threw her whole self into every new challenge, even caring for milk goats, rescuing neglected or  injured animals, teaching piano to countless children, both homeschooling and teaching in the Academy and College, and always ready to help with Church and Parish activities. While she was homeschooling, she began developing a curriculum for the beginner years, especially trying to find an organic approach to teaching the dyslexic mind.  It was her dream to write and illustrate children's books.

Through all this she found time to foster  a love of good literature in her children by reading aloud (many times falling asleep and reading several pages aloud in that state, till finally they noticed the words no longer made sense, and woke her up to at least finish the chapter!). She taught them all many forms of arts and crafts, including crochet, made chapel veils to ship to other parishes, illustrated for Crusade Magazine, received commissions for oil paintings, and learned to see God's beauty in the landscape and seasons of Kansas, so different from her home state with its majestic trees and mountains for which she remained homesick for many years. At every home in which she lived, Becky immediately planted trees.

During her children's growing years, long hikes across pastures, and bike rides down dirt and gravel roads were a normal part of life. Although Becky's homemade meatballs, bread, and her beef stew are unsurpassed, she always preferred the out of doors, and had an affinity for all animals, but especially horses and dogs. "If you make supper I will do all the cleaning up!" was an oft repeated phrase of hers.  Since cooking was an adventure to us, and washing dishes unappealing, that was a win win. 

Becky's passing came too soon, we were not ready to have her go, but she has said many times that she did not want to be a burden in her old age with long illness, or hospital stays, and God answered that wish for her. She herself was always so caring and patient with those suffering from illness, so ready to offer help to others.  One of her most often spoken wishes was that her home to be a place where her grandchildren were happy to come "Granny's House", inspired by her memories of her own Granny, whose country home was a place of peace and happiness for her in her youth. She succeeded in that also, and has left a piece of herself and her many God given talents with each of the children, grandchildren, and everyone whose lives she touched, and the memories of her that are as vibrant as the Kansas sunrises and sunsets that gave her so much joy.  She was selfless, resilient, and strong, and a wonderful example of how to find joy in little things during hardship. Her smile, her laughter, her animated gestures as she related stories and discussed her plans will never be forgotten. 

Becky died with her rosary in her hand, the one which she prayed daily, including so many rosary novenas, and a priest was able to come and give her the blessings of the Church. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let Perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.