Mary Becker

Mary K. Becker was born to Florian and Mary Mayer Kolodejcak on August 31, 1933, in Blessing, Texas.

The family moved to Milan County in 1935 where they were tenant farmers for the next fifteen years. They moved “to town” where their father did carpenter work and became known for his self-taught wooden “whittlings”. Both parents were proficient in English and Czech.

Mary went to school in Achfall, Jones Prairie, St. Anthony Catholic School, C.H. Yoe High School, Cameron, Scott & White Hospital School of Nursing, Temple; University of Mary Hardin Baylor, Belton; Southwest Texas State University, San Marcos, and Texas Woman’s University. Her academic career was always exemplary as she exceeded in her studies and was remembered as someone who went out of her way to teach others.

She worked as a registered nurse part time at Kings Daughters Hospital while the children grew. She was employed at the Olin E. Teague Veterans’ Medical Center for over twenty years before retiring.

While in Nursing School, she met the love of her life. She married Jerome Becker on April 19, 1954, at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Temple. After a few years, they moved to a farm on Highway 95 and spent the next forty years raising their five children: Jerome, Kenneth, Mary, Robert, and William. The family combined farm work schedules with church, Federal Service, and community service. They were active in the beginning of the Acres Community Water System. Other activities included volunteering at the veteran hospital, Boy Scouts of America, The America Cancer Society and various organization at St. Mary’s Catholic School and Academy School.

After the children finished school and scattered, Jerome and Mary moved to Joe Lee, a suburb of Rogers, to a pecan farm where many family reunions took place. The events were known for the stories told, food shared, and memories created.

Mary was addicted to yard sales, grandkids, and growing things. She collected sugar and cream pitchers, Santas, angels, family memorabilia, hand work such as lace crochet doilies and quilts, and trinket boxes. She loved books and encouraged reading.

She was not proficient in cooking or housework. Jerome would sigh and continue to provide patience, support, and storage space. 

Jerome died in November 2011.

Mary continued to live on the farm assisted by Robert, Bill, Ken, and Dianne. Her support team encouraged her and worked to keep her healthy, so she enjoyed her golden years. She died on Friday, May 24, 2024. She will be cremated and interred next to Jerome in St Joseph’s Cemetery in Cyclone, Tx.

Mary was preceded in death by her grandparents, her parents; Florian and Mary Mayer Kolodejcak; four siblings: Infants Florian and Dorothy, Geri Solomon, Albina Kaltenbach; and her incredible husband Jerome Becker.

She is survived by her children: Jerome (Beth) Becker of College Station, Tx; Ken (Dianne) Becker of Rogers, Tx; Mary (Harry) Breeden of Brownsboro, Al; Robert Becker of Rogers, Tx; William Becker of Rogers, Tx; Her Grandchildren: Jerome Becker of College Station, Tx, Emily & Lindsay Becker Berg of Austin, Tx, Quntiel Fliland and his mother Marcia Becker of Austin, Tx, Chris & Spencer Stantis of Carbondale, IL, Will & Ashley Breeden of Brownsboro, Al, Stacey & Ben Henson of Austin, Tx, Vanessa & Thanos Drimalas of Austin, Tx; Great Granddaughters: Monica Joy & Mary Beth Becker of College Station, Tx, Willow Blake Breeden of Brownsboro, Al; Great Grandson: Henry Harrison Breeden of Brownsboro, Al; Her Sisters: Justine (Jim) Morrison, Rose Deck, Bea (Ferris) Maness. Also, two aunts, dozens of nieces & nephews, cousins and friends.

When we are born – God gives us many blessings:

1. Faith in the knowledge of his love and enjoyment of the wonders of his creation.

2. Time to experience life and to use it as we choose. Know that this gift only comes around once – use it wisely.

3. Love – many kinds from many sources – enjoy and return it even if it isn’t

wanted or required (as “the greatest of these gifts is Love”)

1. 4. Memory of all our experiences & dreams: things we did or did not do right or wrong.
2. 
   

Our family thanks everyone who through the years has loved and supported us. In her memory, say a prayer, sing a song, visit a “shut-in”, plant a seed or a tree and know that we love you. 

A Celebration of Mary’s life will be held at 11 am Saturday, August 31, 2024, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Temple. A meal with family and friends will be held in the Ave Maria room after the service. Burial will follow at 3 pm in St. Joseph Cemetery in Cyclone. Father Ranjan Cletus will be presiding over the celebration and burial.