Rebecca Lynn Gill

Rebecca Lynn Gill (Becky), was born January 12, 1964 and died August 31, 2021, after an 8 year battle with Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD). Though FTD is an awful disease that robbed her of everything she loved, she still glowed with life and love till the very end. Becky’s amazing spirit affected everyone she met. Becky captivated us with stories of her Navy days and all the adventures, challenges and experiences. She loved all music and could dance to anything. She was fiercely protective of her family, and friends and fought until the end to stay with us. Becky was brave and full of life, joy, courage and tenacity.

Becky was born in San Antonio, TX and joined the U.S. Navy in 1983 where she was one of the first 50 females to serve on a Navy ship. Her first ship was the USS Puget Sound AD-38, and Becky became the first enlisted female to earn her Surface Warfare pin, as well as one of the first handful of women Red Shirts, both prestigious accomplishments. She went on to become a Fire Chief on the USS Monongahela, and had been selected for Chief (E7), when she sustained a back injury in the line of duty, which ultimately ended her career. After the military, Becky worked for Northrop Grumman as a Senior Engineering Analyst and participated in the build of several submarines including the Texas, Virginia and North Carolina class Submarines. Upon moving to Florida, She went on to work for Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC) and Flightstar. She finished her professional career as a purchasing agent at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Naval Supply, NAVSUP FLCJ (Commander Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Jacksonville).

In 2006, she met her wife, Shelley, and soon moved to Florida where they began a life together. In 2012, Becky became a mom, and helped raise the most considerate, thoughtful and fun-loving little boy who would grow to be “Momma’s helper and hero”. In 2018, Becky entered San Jose Gardens Memory Care. Her new home became her new extended family. She would stay up late, watching TV with the staff when everyone else was sleeping. She was a peer and friend to caregivers and staff and became an honorary staff member.

Becky was the most supportive, loving, mother, wife, partner, friend, and soulmate. We will miss her terribly. She will no longer be a prisoner of a terrible disease that robbed her of her ability to speak, her independence, and mobility, but left her with her amazing spirit, her memories, and a presence that spoke more than words can express.

The family would like to thank the staff of San Jose Gardens, and Tanya with Haven Hospice. They became an important part of our lives and formed an impenetrable chain of support, protection and love around Becky. They provided much appreciated guidance, comfort and empathy to us in her final days.

Becky was preceded in death by her Mother, Irene “Twala” Fernandez, brother Daniel Trevino, and brother Mark Trevino. She is survived by her wife Shelley, son Evan, father Daniel Gonzales, Stepmother Janie Gonzales, Stepfather Joe Arreola, brothers, Frank Arreola, Joseph Trevino, John Arreola, Robert Arreola, and sisters, Pat Anguiano, and Rose Arreola. In leu of flowers, please make donations to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration. https://www.theaftd.org. A service will take place September 14, 2021 at 10:30am. It will be held at St. John’s Cathedral, 256 E. Church St. Jacksonville Fl, 32202. A reception will follow at the church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgriversidefuneralhome.com for the Gill family.