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Barbara Becker Obituary

Becker, Barbara J. (nee Wigton), lost her four-year battle with breast cancer at age 71. Barbara was a graduate of Northeastern University and earned a Masters Degree at Northwestern. She taught for 20 years in the Chicago Public Schools as a bi-lingual special-ed resource teacher. After retiring she continued to teach at a special needs high school GED program in Uptown. Her real passion was yoga. She contributed her time to teach yoga at AIDS CARE and at Inspiration Cafe in Uptown, for which she was recognized as Volunteer of the Year. She received special training in yoga therapy for treating M.S. sufferers, and used these skills to introduce yoga to an older adult population at West Suburban Special Recreation. She also taught yoga at Heartwood Spiritual Center in Evanston. Along with her husband Michael, she was active in the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, for which she received the Judge Nash Award for Volunteer of the Year. She wished to thank everyone for their love. Her light in this world will be missed. She is survived by her husband, Michael Becker, her two children Jonathan Walz and James Walz, her daughters-in-law, Cheryl Walz and Dorothy Deasy, her first husband Jack Walz, and her two brothers, Matt and Bill Wigton. Memorial service to be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shambala Center, 7331 N. Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL. 60626.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Aug. 2, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Becker

Not sure what to say?





Mary Volgarino

August 6, 2009

Dear Family and Friends of Barbara:

I have known Barbara for a short time through my experiences with yoga (WSSRA). It didn't take me long to appreciate the ongoing light that radiated from her each time we met. I am confident that she is among the saints and totally free and spirited as she was during her earthly visit. I am honored to have known her.

August 3, 2009

Beautiful, kind and caring person, Barbara will be missed.

Jean Wypychowski

August 3, 2009

May we all let the light of Barb's life
fill the sorrow of her loss. Remember
her as the smiling, elegant and kind
Barb that we all loved. And the courage
she showed in her struggle against the
cruel affliction of breast cancer. My
condolences to her family and many loyal friends.
Kareena Beckman

August 3, 2009

Barbara was a beautiful,loving and kind person who so willingly donated her time and energy to help so many people to have better health through her yoga classes. She was truly a delight and she will be greatly missed. Our love to her family and hope that you will find peace in the joy Barbara gave to so many people. We love you Barbara and hope you are at peace. The Senior Assistance Center and Anne Bannon

Maryellen Bilek

August 3, 2009

I had the joy of knowing for 5 brief years through her work at West Suburban Special Recreation Assn. Barbara taught us to value ourselves, whether healthy or not, to care for our world and each other and of course to "find the sacred in the ordinary". These lessons are priceless. The world is a better place because Barbara was in it. Her spirit remains with all who knew her. We will miss her. Maryellen Bilek

Laurie Komperda

August 3, 2009

Barbara was a true inspiration to both faith and courage, she will surely be missed. She touched many lives with her love, kindness and beautiful smile. May she be finally be at peace. We love you Barbara!!

August 2, 2009

What a life, what an inspiration. All blessings to Barbara's family.
Debi Buzil and Family

Rina & Terrence Whitmore

August 2, 2009

Barbara was a dear and close friend of ours. Her warmth and kindness will always be with us.

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