1953 - 2023
Visitation
October 2, 20234:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Dolan Funeral Home
Funeral
October 7, 20231:00 p.m.
West Chelmsford United Methodist Church
Rebecca Sue Markey, 69, of North Chelmsford, MA, was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and environmental activist, who went to heaven on September 26, 2023.
Rebecca was born to Harold and Ellen Woodruff on September 28, 1953 in Glendale, West Virgina. She was an active kid that loved to be outside, and in junior high school was a member of the Sarasota (FL) Sailor Circus. During her high school years, Rebecca’s love of singing led to meeting Carl, her husband of almost 51 years. They both were members of The Singing Valiants choral group which toured all over the Southeast. They were married on October 20, 1972, and together had 2 amazing sons: Gareth and Daryl.
Rebecca loved being a Mama to her boys. She sewed homemade Halloween costumes, made Christmas stockings, and filled her home with love, cakes, and spaghetti dinners. Rebecca later added Nonnie to her list of titles and helped care for her three loving grandchildren: Dominic, Lucia, and Fiona. She would read to them, bake muffins with them, and teach them about bird calls and all the wonderful creatures great and small. She loved to reminisce of her time spent in England where her husband Carl was stationed as a member of the U.S. Air Force. She enjoyed having a spot of tea, and was always available for a warm conversation on the phone or in person.
After her sons were grown, Rebecca went back to school graduating from Lesley University with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science. She was deeply passionate about environmental issues, and spent many years teaching others as a park ranger at Great Brook Farm State Park and the Lowell National Historical Park. She also worked at the Merrimack River Watershed Council, served as the Conservation Agent for the Towns of Billerica and Shirley, and worked at Places Associates (Littleton, MA). She was also a Director on the Chelmsford Land Conservation Trust (CLCT) for many years. Rebecca was active in the outreach programs of West Chelmsford United Methodist Church, and sang in the senior choir for many years. She spent her life in service to others.
Rebecca is survived by her husband Carl (N. Chelmsford, MA); son Gareth, daughter-in-law Jessica and their three children (Hudson, NH); son Daryl (Tyngsboro); brother Dennis Woodruff and spouse Lavonne (Murphy, NC); brother Michael Woodruff and spouse Debbie (Bradenton, FL); and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her sister Sharon Ernst (Perry, FL).
Calling hours are scheduled for Monday, October 2, 2023 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Dolan Funeral Home, 106 Middlesex St, N. Chelmsford, MA 01863. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 1:00pm at West Chelmsford United Methodist Church (WCUMC), 242 Main Street, N. Chelmsford, MA 01863. For those unable to attend her celebration of life service, it will be livestreamed on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@westchelmsfordunitedmethod4381). In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to WCUMC in Rebecca’s name.
Jeanie
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Becky was my first childhood friend. We met in second grade when my family moved to our home on Wood St.Her family lived behind us and we shared a fence. Becky and I spent hours playing Canasta and Go Fish. We used to ride our bikes to McCrorys and share a cherry Coke and french fries for $.35. We had many sleep overs in each others home, countless meals together, walked to school together, sang in children’s, youth and Sanctuary Choir at our church, as well as in the Singing Valiants for Youth For Christ. One of the items on my bucket list was to make a trip to see her beautiful home and family. rest in peace, dear friend.
Julie M Kaye
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So glad I got to see Becky this July for a family reunion.In the past, we had some lively chats.Will miss you dear cousin.
RIP
love Julie K
Amy isleib
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Becca,
You were like family to us and you were always grams best friend. She always said you were like her daughter. You will be greatly missed. Love you always. You had a heart of gold. Now you can join gram up there and swing with her and talk like old times. Rest easy. ?
Megan Thurston
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Becca, you are an amazing person. I loved it when you would come over to my Grammy’s and having coffee and tea and talk. I remember playing on your back screened in porch playing monopoly with your son. It was a great pleasure knowing you and thank you for being the best family friend anyone could ask for! Say hello to my grandparents for me. May you rest peacefully in the heavens. Prayers for your family during this time of grief.
Suzi Tanner Owen
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Oh Becky, I am selfishly sad at this reality of your passing. I have to believe you’re in a better place, celebrating your birthday today.
We had some wild adventures in highschool and college. You gifted me with the introduction to your friend, Chris, who I married.
Carl, Gareth and Daryl, my sincere condolences.
Keith & Collin Wilson
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Thank you Becky for the unconditional love you’ve shown to everyone. It was both my pleasure and Collin’s pleasure to have gotten to know you over the many years. Your physical absence on this earth is and will be sad, but it is a joyous time in heaven because you are now in the presence of loved ones that have preceded you in this journey. I will miss the holiday calls with you, but I’m thankful in the reality that you are now in the presence of our Lord. Both Collin and I look forward to seeing you again in the future.
With love,
Keith and Collin Wilson
Beth Ann
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Continued- I’ve always loved your big heart and fun loving kind spirit and feel blessed for all the wonderful memories we shared. You will be greatly missed cuz and please give our heavenly loved ones a big hug for me.
Beth Ann
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Becky I will always remember all the good times sharing our childhood together including walks to visit Pop Pop, to the park feeding the overly friendly squirrels that raced up our legs for that delectable peanut you are my closest cousin and
Connie Ernst
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Sweet Aunt Becky what a wonderful soul. We here on earth have lost one fine wife, mom, aunt and grandma. But the heavens have gained an awesome angel. You will truly be missed here Aunt Becky but it such sweet music to my ears you no longer suffer from such an awful human disease. Until we meet again rest in peace sweet sweet Aunt. May God wrap his arms around Uncle Carl, your boys and their family’s while they grieve your loss.
Much love ConnieErnst