Adeline O. Becker
September 30, 1922 - June 22, 2010
Obituary
Adeline O. Becker
Adeline O. Becker was born to Joe and Mary Brazil, who immigrated to the US from the Azores Islands of Portugal. She was born on September 30, 1922, in Hanford, CA, where she grew up as the 7th of 10 children on a farm. Her father passed away when she was 8 years old, leaving her mother and older brothers to run the family farm. In addition to the dairy farm and the acres of grapes they grew, the family also had chickens and eggs, cheese, and vegetables from their garden. Although she grew up during the Great Depression, Adeline once stated that she and her family did not really feel the effects of the depression as many Americans did, most likely due to all the farm provided. As the eldest girl in her family, Adeline helped out with many chores around the house. Her younger sister, Angie, can remember taking turns washing dishes and sweeping, and remembers Adeline washing clothes on a washboard, as the farm house did not have electricity. Adeline also was the first to complete high school in her family. She often came home from school and told her younger siblings all that had happened during the day. When she graduated from high school, Adeline went to Fresno to attend Business College, where she boarded with Mrs. Kerl, who became a lifelong friend. It was in Fresno where she met Elmer Becker, who was stationed there with the Army. They were married on June 21, 1944 and settled in Hanford for a while before Elmer was transferred briefly to both Michigan and North Carolina. Eventually, Elmer was stationed in the Pacific during World War II and Adeline came home to Hanford to live with her mother and siblings. Elmer returned home at the end of the war and together they welcomed their son, Ken, in 1945. In 1946, Adeline and Elmer moved to Seattle, WA. They bought their first house in Burien in 1947 and shortly after welcomed their second child, Sharon. In 1956, their second daughter, Barbara, was born followed by son, Ron, in 1958. Every year the family would vacation in California to visit family and friends. Summer visits to the farm have grown into favorite childhood memories for Adeline’s children. Once her younger children were in school, Adeline began keeping books and payroll for McCall Oil Company and she worked there until her retirement. After Elmer passed away in 1986, Adeline made the shift to living independently. She took charge of painting the outside of the house one side every year, mowing the lawn, and even oversaw an addition to her house. Although raised as a catholic, Adeline began attending St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church in Burien, where she quickly became an active member, serving on Altar Guild for many years. Through the many friends she made at church, she also began volunteering at Burien Little Theater, taking tickets and laying out refreshments.
Adeline was always an upbeat person. She had a genuinely cheerful nature and an infectious, easy laugh. She was always willing to lend a helping hand, whether it was through her volunteer work in the community or taking care of her grandchildren. Family was immensely important to Adeline and no family member had a birthday, holiday, or momentous occasion pass without at least receiving a card from her. She was great at keeping in touch and remembered every special date. As much as Adeline loved all of us, we loved her just as much and she will be sorely missed. Adeline brought a kind of selfless love to all of our lives we will always feel the loss of such a kind, servant-hearted person.