Rebecca (Becki) Lynn Mecham peacefully passed away the evening of February 10, surrounded by her family after battling calciphylaxis twice and enduring renal failure, amongst other serious health complications.
The third child of Jack LeRoy Mecham and Donna Elizabeth Curie, Becki was born on September 1, 1952. As a child, Becki would perform "original" plays for her family and friends, leading her to Olympus High (Class of 1970) drama productions and to an acting career with The Salt Lake Acting Company as Mother Elthora Kimball, a character created solely for her in their production of Saturday's Voyeur, among other characters in many plays. Acting was just one of Becki's many talents and while studying at the University of Utah, she found another: teaching. The University of Utah was a social adventure and Becki spent her years "Bleeding Crimson" as a member of Greek Sorority Pi Beta Phi, and the President of the Sigma Nu Little Sisters. After obtaining her Masters in Special Education, with a B.S. in Elementary Education and Minor in the Arts, Becki took on the challenge of broadening the minds of 5 year olds with behavioral disorders. She dedicated 32 years to Room 6 at Emerson Elementary, and gave all of the love she could to each and every student who walked through her door. Her art and calligraphy could be found on every surface in her classroom, depicting her artistic expression and love for colors.
Growing up in Utah, Becki spent many days skiing at Alta with her brother David, stopping for a midday "Watson Burger" (loaded with onions, of course). In between acting and teaching, Becki found time to travel extensively, falling in love with the ocean, tropical beaches, and the people of multiple cultures. During college, Becki and her friends would spend weeks camping on the fun beaches of Mexico during summer breaks. Her travel bug took her to the tropical islands of Curacao, Jamaica, Palau, Truk, Bonaire, Aruba, Hawaii, and her favorite, Fiji. Because she loved the ocean and tropical fish so much, Becki expects to be reincarnated as a mermaid, swimming with the Humuhumunukunukuapua\a.
She had a knack for making friends wherever she went, and each of us felt as if we were her very best friend. Becki's 64 years of life were filled with enough passion, adventure, and laughter to fill five lifetimes.
She is survived by her favorite travel companion and mother, Donna Elizabeth Curie Mecham, sister Cheryl Ann Mecham, brother David Ray Mecham, nieces Lisa (Brian) Groneman, and Emily (Sean) Freebairn, great nieces Sophia (Jeffrey) Jackson and Eliza Groneman, great nephews Mecham, Parker, and Jacob Groneman, one great-great nephew Rio Jackson, and her darling fur-baby Mayzie. She is preceded in death by her father, Jack LeRoy Mecham, and brother Jack LeRoy, Jr. (Roy), as well as other family members and friends.
Beck's family wishes to thank the countless staff members at LDS Hospital, University Hospital, St. Mark's Hospital, HealthSouth Rehabilitation, IMC Hospice, Beehive Senior Care, and Wasatch Dialysis for their dedication in helping make her last few years enjoyable. To the friends and family who stood by her side through thick and thin, she says, "Vinaka vaka levu" (until we meet again).
In lieu of flowers, Becki asked that donations be made to the following organizations: Coral Reef Conservation Alliance, Best Friends Animal Society of Utah, or to any of your local children's programs.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 18, 2017 at 12:00pm at The Salt Lake Acting Company, 168 West 500 North in Salt Lake City. Friends and family may visit Friday evening, February 17, from 6:00 to 8:00pm, and Saturday morning from 10:30 to 11:30am at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple in Salt Lake City. Interment will follow funeral services at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 South Highland Drive.
