Audrey Becker, Nov. 14, 1929 - Mar. 28, 2021

BECKER - Audrey Annie Isabel Lewis was welcomed into the world on November 14, 1929, at the local general hospital in Kindersley, Saskatchewan.

She was immediately adored by her father, Nelson Lewis (1896 - 1982), her mother Georgina (Forbes) Webster (1891 - 1975), and her five older brothers (all of whom were born to the late John Webster) - Forbes (Beatrice), William (Phyllis), Douglas (Dorothy), Gordon (Louise) and James (Ruth).

Completing the family tree, Audrey became the youngest child and only daughter in the Webster-Lewis family.

Raised alongside her siblings on their family farm 3.5 miles outside of Kindersley, Audrey spent much of her youth attending school by horse-drawn carriage (built by her father and pulled by Audrey’s favourite horse - Jess), going to dances at the C.N.R. Hall, and helping pick fruit and veggies in the family garden, and managing the household duties with her mother.

She enjoyed playing ball with the neighbourhood kids at community picnics, going to Sunday School and church services, and getting away on family camping trips to Loon Lake.

Audrey met her lifelong love and forever dancing partner, Walter Becker in 1945 at a community dance in Glidden. She fell for his quick feet, smooth moves and good looks. They flew around the room together that night and continued their dance together for 76 years afterwards.

A trailblazer by nature, Audrey went by train to Saskatoon in 1947, and at eighteen years old, began studying at Saskatoon Business College.

Following graduation, she became a favoured bookkeeper, a proficient comptometer operator and a master typist. After gathering her varied work experience in the city, she returned to the Kindersley area to work and reunite with Walt.

Audrey and Walt married on July 7, 1949 at the United Church, reception at the Seymour Hotel in Kindersley, danced the night away at Turvin School and were fortunate enough to celebrate 71 wedding anniversaries after their honeymoon to honour their love.

The newlyweds moved to Eatonia where Audrey worked for Calvin Snyder and became better acquainted with Walt’s plentiful, kind and welcoming Becker family.

Audrey and Walt began a family of their own with Wendy arriving in the wee hours of a stormy February morning in 1951, and Richard (Rick) in May, 1954.

The four of them relocated up the road to Kindersley in 1958 to be closer to work opportunities for Walt for the school district and to purchase their first family home.

Audrey started work with the CIBC, then for Desmond Paine (an architect and draftsman) doing the typing, tendering, and specifications before the office moved towns, and then for Veldhoen Construction. An opportunity came up to learn the insurance business.

She apprenticed under Kelly Rowland at Kelly Agencies, which she and business partner Eric Smith would go on to co-own from 1965 through to 1984. Throughout those years, Audrey would manage multiple real estate rentals, while running the insurance business, which doubled as an accounting firm and travel agency.

True to her faith, Audrey was an active member of the United Church Women (UCW) and sang with Walt in the St. Paul’s United Church Choir.

She was simultaneously instrumental in the Ladies Legion Auxiliary, serving as secretary and treasurer for multiple terms, volunteering at countless fundraisers, and helping the community secure finances for Minor Sports.

Somehow, she still managed to have time to take Wendy and Rick to their numerous sporting events, support Walter’s umpiring and refereeing schedule, and take the family away on summer holidays just like when she was a child.

Always maintaining a large, abundant garden, Audrey approached everything in life with persistence, determination and a smile. Those that knew her, knew how infectious her positive spirit and heartfelt laughter could be.

Family time was incredibly important to Audrey, and she always made sure to stay connected with her immediate and now-extended family, helping organize reunions, gatherings and special events to bring everyone together. She always managed to make her way to wherever Wendy was living, determined to stay close with her children and grandchildren.

She and Walt began travelling to Mesa, Arizona after selling the insurance business in 1984 and enjoyed thirty-three years snowboarding south for the winters. They both took up a new hobby, becoming skilled, seasoned golfers. Audrey loved spending her time on the greens or hiking with friends and family.

In their golden years, Audrey and Walt spent many miles on the road in their motor home, travelling with close friends throughout the continent and experiencing the richness of life. She held many fond memories of trips to British Columbia, Alaska and the East Coast to spend time with her father’s family.

The last few years of Audrey’s adventure-filled life was spent in great closeness with Walter and her immediate family, all of whom will miss her dearly. Wife, mother, grandma, nanny and great-grandma, Audrey is now a guardian angel to her husband Walter, daughter Wendy (Jim) and her three children, Deborah (Bob), Scott (Candice) and Rob (Fran), as well as her son Rick (Linda) and their three children, Dean (Candice), Sean (Lana) and Ali (Mat), as well as her three step-grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and six step-great-grandchildren.

Audrey passed peacefully, embraced by the love of her family on March 28, 2021, in the Kindersley Manor. We look forward to celebrating her life with friends and family at a future time when we can gather together safely and ceremoniously.

While flowers have been graciously declined, donations can be made in Audrey’s honour to St. Paul’s United Church in Kindersley, Saskatchewan.