Where Food, Drinks & Stories Are Shared
//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/01b/133449/133449-life-panel.jpg

Becky Pellegrini

October 26, 1976 - October 29, 2020
Portage, MI

//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/01b/133449/133449-01.jpg



Live Stream

Friday, November 6, 2020
11:00 AM EST
Live Stream

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

The Karen Wellington Foundation
3825 Edwards Road, Suite 103
Cincinnati, OH 45209

When giving, please indicate Becky Pellegrini FUNd.

You may also give by texting to BeckysFUNd to 44321.

Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/view-life-story-video.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/01b/133449/133449-02.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/01b/133449/133449-03.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/01b/133449/133449-04.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/01b/133449/133449-05.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/download-memory-folder.jpg
Print

With endless generosity and an indomitable spirit, Becky Pellegrini lived a wholehearted life, rich in family and friends. Humble and kind, Becky was a devoted wife and mother whose greatest joy came from supporting and witnessing others' happiness and accomplishments. Regardless of life's challenges, Becky never complained or allowed anything to get her down. Instead, she greeted each day as a gift and every person as a friend. Though our days with Becky were far too few, the power of her influence will long inspire all who were blessed to know her.

Dale and Joan (Dorsch) Gerber welcomed their daughter Becky into their family on October 26, 1976 in Middletown, Ohio. Growing up in Southwest Ohio, Becky's early years were firmly rooted in family values. While her father worked as a Human Resources Manager at AK Steel, her mother worked as a nurse at Middletown Hospital. In their fine examples, Becky learned the importance of hard work and commitment. She possessed a natural drive for excellence. Her competitive spirit and perfectionism led to much success. She loved soccer and cheerleading, proudly leading both teams as captain. Her commitment to her education led to being accepted into the National Honor Society and the honor of graduating as the salutatorian of her class. Becky also gave freely of her time and talents in the service of others, volunteering many hours as a candy striper at the hospital.

After graduating from Middletown High School, Becky attended her parents' alma mater, Miami University, in nearby Oxford, Ohio. She liked attending school so close to home and becoming a member of Gamma Phi Beta. While attending college, Becky had the good fortune of meeting her future husband, Joe Pellegrini, while participating in a study group for a summer class they were both taking on campus. At the time, Joe was teaching tennis at a country club and Becky was working as a waitress. Joe fell in love at first sight; he found out where she worked and took some friends there so he could see her.

As they got to know one another, he bought her more buttons to add flair to her waitressing uniform, eventually earning her heart. The happy couple married as soon as they both graduated on July 14, 2001, and settled in Ohio for the first 12 years of their marriage. Becky became a registered dietician and thoroughly enjoyed the combination of science and helping others. It was truly a joy for her to bring people together through healthy food.

In time, Becky and Joe were blessed to welcome three children into their family. Mia, Anna, and Nick were the centers of their lives, and Becky relished in ensuring their good care. After moving to Philadelphia for a few years with Joe's job in human resources, the family finally settled in Kalamazoo for the last six years. Regardless of where they lived, Becky always put her family first. She dedicated herself to supporting her children and her community, often volunteering at their schools. The kids attended St. Monica Catholic School, where Becky soon learned the school needed an art teacher. With signature generosity, she immediately offered to help. Then they needed a librarian, so she helped with that too. She loved helping kids, especially picking out books they liked and expressing themselves through their creativity.

Her kids' biggest fan, Becky was an assistant coach for many of their teams and the team mother for others. She enthusiastically supported Mia's beautiful singing and was thrilled to see her perform at The Civic and in high school plays. Becky delighted in Anna's natural skills in soccer, volleyball, and art. Nick's fabulous musical ability, including having perfect pitch at only ten years old, was also a source of pride for Becky. Like their mother...Mia, Anna, and Nick are stars; anything they set their minds to, they accomplish.

Never one to be idle, even in the face of battling cancer, Becky had many interests. She enjoyed hitting the tennis courts with her family and she played on a local team. She was also learning to golf. A huge fan of the Dave Matthews band, Becky made endless memories attending countless concerts. She and her golden retriever, Tinker Bell, were special companions. One of their favorite ways to spend time together was swimming in the pool. Becky loved the soothing power of water and the beach was her favorite place to find peace. She would visit the ocean a few times a year; it always proved to be a happy place for the entire family. A few years ago, Becky and her family were afforded the opportunity to vacation in Maui by The Karen Wellington Foundation. Dedicated to making it possible for women with breast cancer to create incredible memories while they can, the foundation gifted Becky with a spectacular trip. The family stayed in an oceanside condo where Becky spent a good amount of time joyfully watching the sea turtles swimming from their balcony.

Without a doubt, the world has significantly dimmed in the absence of Becky's bright and beautiful light. May we find deep comfort in our many treasured memories of the woman who found so much joy in others' happiness. May we also find the courage to carry Becky's legacy of embracing each person and every day as a gift. With every kindness we extend to another and every fearless step we take toward living each moment fully, we keep Becky's bright spirit alive and inspiring others as she so inspired us.

Rebecca "Becky" Pellegrini, age 44, died on October 29, 2020, after a brave battle with cancer. Lovingly carrying Becky's legacy forward are her husband, Joe; 3 children: Mia, Anna, Nick; siblings: Dan (Lori) Gerber, Tommy (Lisa) Gerber, Kate (John) Early; her parents, and many nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Visit Rebecca's personal webpage at www.BetzlerLifeStory.com where you may read her Life Story, archive a favorite memory or photo, and sign her online guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to The Karen Wellington Foundation.

1) Give through the website https://www.karenwellingtonfoundation.org/ noting "Becky Pellegrini FUNd" at: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/karen-wellington-memorial-foundation-for-living-with-breast

2) Text BeckysFUNd to 44321

3) Send contributions in the mail - 3825 Edwards Rd, Suite 103, Cincinnati, OH 45209

Becky's funeral service will begin live streaming at 10:55 AM on Friday, November 6, 2020. Please follow the links below to view:

https://www.stcatherinesiena.org/mass

https://www.facebook.com/stcatherinesiena/

https://bit.ly/stcatherinesienaYouTube

Arrangements by Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo 269-375-2900.

//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/view-life-story-video.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/01b/133449/133449-02.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/01b/133449/133449-03.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/01b/133449/133449-04.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/01b/133449/133449-05.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/download-memory-folder.jpg