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Kathleen Becker Obituary
June 26, 1921 - March 7, 2015
Cary
Kathleen (Gallagher) Becker was born in Jundah, Queensland, Australia, to William H. and Mary Margaret (Sweeney) Gallagher.
Kathleen and her husband, Staff Sergeant John H. Becker, were married in Townsville, Queensland, Australia on April 2, 1946, while John was serving in the United States Army Air Corps. She came to America as a war bride in July 1946, joining her husband in Massachusetts. They lived in several states before settling in Cary, NC, in 1972.
Kathleen continued the education she had begun in Australia and was awarded her teaching certificate with a concentration in mathematics. During her teaching career, she was recognized as an outstanding educator and was the author of several nationally published education articles. She co-authored a series of mathematics books geared to the North Carolina minimum competency requirements. She was a member of NC Teachers of Mathematics and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and served in leadership positions in both organizations. She was a motivational speaker and workshop leader at math conventions in North Carolina, Texas, California, and Washington DC.
Kathleen retired from Wake County Public Schools in 1990, after teaching at Cary Elementary, East Cary Junior High, Needham B. Broughton High School, and serving as assistant principal at Broughton.
Kathleen was preceded in death by her husband, John; parents, William and Mary Gallagher; daughter, Mary Margaret Becker; and sister, Beryl Sollieux of Australia.
She is survived by her sons, William H. "Bill" Becker and wife, Laurel, of Youngsville; and Kevin J. Becker and wife, Jennifer, of Raleigh; brother, Kevin W. Gallagher, and sister, Nancy Prizeman, and their families in Australia; granddaughters April L. Montigny of Cary and Raley Dean Becker of Raleigh; and great-grandsons Ryan and Kyle Montigny of Cary.
A celebration of Kathleen's life will be held at Brown Wynne funeral home in Cary, NC, on March 21, 2015 from 11am – 1pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mary M. Becker Endowed Scholarship for Women in Engineering at Wake Tech (foundation.waketech.edu), or the Richard M. Jewell Teaching Award at Broughton High School (contact Principal Steven Mares).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kathleen Becker
March 23, 2015
I only knew Kathleen briefly as a colleague at Broughton High School many years ago, but remember her friendliness, kindness, and enthusiasm. Just want you to know I so enjoyed looking at the photographic review of her life that you have posted here. May she rest in peace.
Karen (Adams) Fox
Thurstaston, England and Raleigh, NC
Mirka Christesen
March 23, 2015
My most sincere condolences! I worked with Ms. Becker at Broughton in the late 1980's and still picture her as a vibrant. classy lady and a wonderful, warm administrator. Kathleen, you helped me resolve a difficult situation and you still have a place in my heart.
Dianna & Mark Carter
March 20, 2015
Bill and Kevin, Mark and I were sorry to hear about your Mother's passing. Mark was blessed to know your Mother and he has told me what a wonderful person she was. I was humbled by reading her obituary. She was a most talented and intelligent woman. A special lady, indeed. Mark and I will be making a donation in memory of your Mother to the "Mary M. Becker Scholarship for Women". We will see you all on Saturday.
Ellen Jones
March 17, 2015
Loved your mom and dad. So sorry to hear this news but glad they are together again and with Mary as well.
Denise Dodson Blalock
March 15, 2015
Bill and Kevin, we were so sad to learn of your Mother's passing. She was such a dear lady. She also held a very special place in my parent's heart (Dale and Marlene Dodson). You and your families are in our thoughts and prayers.
Stephanie Everette
March 15, 2015
Kevin and Bill - I was so sad to hear about your mom's passing. She was such a special person. I will never forget what a great friend she was to our family. Stephanie Everette-Haigler
Jim Thompson
March 15, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Peter Gallagher
March 11, 2015
A wonderful, sweet woman with enormous strength, patience and humor. She had a funny -- occasionally sharp -- turn of phrase and the wisdom to use it as much as necessary. She will be missed by many on both sides of the Pacific.
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