Obituary of Rebecca McCammon LATHROP

SHE WAS ONE OF THE RARE ONES, SO AUTHENTICALLY HER OWN SELF, AND THE WORLD LOVED HER FOR IT. Becky Lathrop passed away at Agape Hospice on March 8, 2016 at the age of 90 years. Becky was born in Wheeling, West Virginia on September 25, 1925. Her early years were spent in Wheeling and Tulsa, Oklahoma, then Robinson, Illinois where she graduated from High School. In 1943 she married her high school sweetheart, Steve. Together, they raised a family of four sons, moving around the United States as Steve was transferred by his employer. In 1958 they moved to northeast BC, Taylor and Dawson Creek; since 1962 Becky lived in Calgary. When her younger sons, Jim and Bill, were at University, Becky decided to return to school herself, pursuing an Arts degree which she was awarded in 1971. A lifelong book-lover, Becky worked for a time at the Calgary Public Library, and volunteered there for many years, taking books to homebound readers. She was a member of many book clubs, attending meetings right up to the time she went into hospice. Becky was an avid bridge-player and movie-goer, and a long-time member of the PEO Sisterhood. In retirement, Becky and Steve enjoyed traveling the world. They took trips to Europe, the Middle East, China, South America and India. In 1985 – 1986, they made a round-the-world trip, taking more than twelve months. In recent years, Becky has taken great interest in the travels of her children and grandchildren; the travel gene has been passed on to the next generations. Wherever she has gone, Becky has been a force for goodness in the world. She always made lifelong friends and participated in community affairs. She felt blessed to have so many great people in her life. Above all, she was a devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her greatest joy was her family. Becky is survived by her children Steve Jr. and Barb and their family Samantha and Josh (Linsey); Dave and Linda and their family Mike (Julie) and Paul (Gina); Jim and Sara (Sue) and their family Patrick (Melea) and John (Kathleen); Bill and Patti and their family Amanda (Keith), Tom, Jenny, and Jacqui (Kelly); and great-grandchildren Sophia, Cooper, Will, and Farley. She was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Steve; her parents Lewis and Catharine McCammon; and her brothers Lewis and Charles. Funeral Services will be held at Scarboro United Church (134 Scarboro Avenue S.W.) on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to the charity of their choice or to The Becky Lathrop Fund for Homebound Readers at the Calgary Public Library Foundation or to Scarboro United Church, 134 Scarboro Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB T3C 2H1 (Telephone 403-244-1161). In living memory of Rebecca Lathrop, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Calgary, AB, T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.