Cevie Becker
September 18, 1928 – September 7, 2015
Cevie Becker, a long-time Oliver resident, passed away on Sept. 07, 2015 at McKinney Place
Extended Care Unit in Oliver at the age of 86 years.
She was predeceased by her husband Don in 1988, her parents Bill and Cevie Vanderburgh,
brothers Bill and Bob Vanderburgh, sister Lois Hughes, grandson Jessie Becker and great-grandson Alexander Paterson.
She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Linda (Art) and son George (Sandra); grandchildren Kim (James), Robin (Brian), Harley, Kaytlen (Matt), Shelby (Bryan) and Brody; great-grandchildren Megan, Alex and Finn; sister-in-laws Merle Vanderburgh and Lorraine Beck; numerous nieces and nephews as well as other family and friends.
Mom was born in CrowsNest, BC on Sept. 18, 1928 with her grandmother acting as midwife. Her father, William (Bill) Vanderburgh, was a C.P.R. agent so the family moved many times as the job called for including Crowsnest, New Westminster, Elko, Notch Hill and Trail. They finally settled in Oliver in 1944, with mom being assistant C.P.R. agent. She was very proud of her telegraphers ticket. At this time, mom owned one of the few motorcycles in town and used it to deliver telegrams around the Oliver area.
Mom and dad were the first couple married in the then new United Church proper on Nov. 1, 1948. They bought Johnny’s Taxi in 1955 and operated the business until August 1984 under the name Four Star Taxi. The business grew to include an ambulance service (before provincial takeover), Greyhound Depot and emergency answering services.
Mom enjoyed being with family and friends, the coffee pot was always on. After retirement she loved her walks around the town, and was always busy knitting or cross-stitching something for someone else. A game of crib or Rummikub were often on the go. Mom joined the CCCC Church (Valley Congregational Church) and was an active participant. She enjoyed helping out at the baking and plant sales, and always looked forward to her Bible Study evenings. She also enjoyed baking cookies, not only for bake sales, but for her favourite people around town. Her date/address book was full of the birthdays and anniversaries of many relatives and friends who always got cards from her.
Her last years were spent in McKinney Place where she was well looked after and felt at home. Many thanks to Dr. Myslek and all the wonderful staff at McKinney Place for their kind care of mom. Also a big thank you to the staff of Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service for all their help. Should you wish, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of BC, McKinney Place or a charity of one’s choice in memory of mom. No flowers please.
A memorial service will be officiated by Pastor Ken Clarke at 2:30 P.M. Saturday September 19, 2015 at Valley Congregational Church. Graveside committal will follow at the Oliver Municipal Cemetery .
Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com
Arrangements entrusted to Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium, Oliver & Osoyoos.