Becky De Oliveira, PhD
Photo
Becky's obituary
Becky De Oliveira passed away in her home in Dacono, Colorado, on June 21, 2023, after living with brain cancer for over eighteen months. She was 51.
Becky was born in Enumclaw, Washington, on November 18, 1971, to Dave and Alice Crooker. In 1975, her brother, Dan, joined the family. Becky’s parents nurtured within her a love of nature that she would carry with her throughout her life.
In 1993, Becky met her future husband, Japhet, while studying abroad in England. They married in 1995. Together, they had their first son, Joshua, in 2000 and their second son, Jonah, in 2004. The family moved to Michigan in 2007 and to Colorado in 2014.
While living in England, Becky took up running. For over a decade, she ran eight miles a day, six days a week. She completed four marathons — each in less than four hours — in addition to countless shorter races, often accompanied by friends and family as participants and spectators. When she wasn’t running, Becky was walking. She loved long walks — along beaches, across bridges, through cities — and always appreciated good company and conversation.
In 2006, Becky summited Mt. Rainier alongside her father. While living in Colorado, she climbed numerous 14ers, and on two separate occasions, she backpacked a 30-mile section of the Continental Divide known as the Tonahutu Loop with her sons.
Becky was an accomplished writer and storyteller. She published essays, articles, and short stories, edited magazines, and wrote three books, including two for children. In addition to writing, Becky was a prolific reader, averaging 50 books a year. Her two large color-coordinated bookshelves stand as a testament to her love of literature.
Becky was a gifted artist. She made beautiful drawings, paintings, and collages that hang on the walls of her home, and encouraged her children to engage with their inner creativity. Her keen eye for detail led her to work as a freelance graphic designer for several years.
Becky taught university courses for many years before earning her doctorate, and she took pride in creating an inclusive, safe environment that fostered long-lasting friendships and mentorships between her and her students.
A fan of traditions, Becky worked tirelessly to make every holiday, birthday, and anniversary special. She loved doing things the same way every year, with slight modifications.
After her diagnosis, Becky defended her dissertation, spoke at her graduation, and won two awards for excellence in academics and research. She wrote numerous thoughtful and humorous essays about living with cancer and created a podcast with her husband. She went to Honolulu with her son, Jonah, and husband, Japhet, and later traveled to the Grand Tetons, Newfoundland, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with her son, Joshua, while planning his wedding that summer. She camped in Wyoming with her brother, niece, and youngest son, and visited London, Paris, and Dublin with Japhet to celebrate their 28th wedding anniversary.
Becky is sorely missed by her husband, children, brother, father, niece, nephew, and many friends worldwide.
Send to someone
Want to stay updated?
Share this memorial website
Share with others
