Rebecca S. Roggeveen

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Rebecca Susan Roggeveen, who left this world on October 10, 2025, at the age of 62, after a brief and sudden battle with a rare and aggressive cancer. Born on April 12, 1963 to Frederick and Ruth Lelle, Rebecca brought warmth, kindness and love to everyone she met.

Rebecca grew up in Brookhaven, New York, where she spent a happy childhood surrounded by family, friends, and the pets she adored. She was the youngest of three children and shared a special bond with her siblings, Philip and Allison. She loved her entire family deeply, and family connections were central to her life. In her early teens, she attended Barbizon Modeling School, and she also enjoyed photography, dance lessons and playing the piano. She deeply cherished her many pets and treasured the time she spent with her cousins.

Rebecca was a proud graduate of Bellport High School, completing her studies in just three years. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Ithaca College, where she became a member of Delta Phi Zeta sorority and formed lifelong friendships.

On June 15, 1986, Rebecca married Robert Roggeveen at St. James Episcopal Church in Brookhaven, New York. Their marriage lasted over 39 years and was filled with love, shared dreams, and unwavering support. Together, they raised two daughters, Eliza and Julie, who brought endless joy to Rebecca’s life. She was a proud grandmother to Eliza’s children, Avery and Michael, and Julie’s daughter, Arielle.

Rebecca and Bob bought their first home in Patchogue, New York, in the early 1990’s, where they lived as a young family for 13 years. They later had their dream home custom built in Eastport, New York, where they lived for 15 years creating countless cherished memories. When her daughters grew up and started their own families, Rebecca and Bob moved to Rocky Point, New York, where they enjoyed a quieter life together.

When her daughters were young, Rebecca ran a home daycare, allowing her to stay home with them while caring for other children as if they were her own. Later, she dedicated 30 years to the Internal Revenue Service, where her hard work and commitment were deeply valued. She officially retired in September 2025, and cherished the time she spent babysitting her beloved grandchildren, creating lasting memories they will carry forever.

Rebecca loved traveling and exploring new places. She especially loved Bermuda, where she and Bob spent their honeymoon, and Palm Beach, a favorite destination from her childhood that held a special place in her heart. She enjoyed countless family trips, including Disney World, Block Island, Hershey Park, Nantucket, and many cruises. She also enjoyed Hampton Jitney trips, and welcomed adventures of all kinds.

Rebecca found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved spending time with her family and dogs, enjoying the beach, and sipping wine. She adored every pet she had and was deeply committed to animal rescue, always ready to help. She loved yoga, decorating, party planning, shopping, baking, and attending Broadway shows.

Rebecca’s warmth extended to many friends, who treasured her sense of humor, her thoughtfulness, and the genuine care she showed everyone. She made everyone feel special and loved, and her generosity and compassion left a lasting mark on all who knew her. She cherished peace, both as a value and as a symbol, surrounding herself with reminders of it throughout her life.

Rebecca is preceded in death by her parents, Frederick and Ruth Lelle. She leaves behind her husband, Robert Roggeveen; her daughters, Eliza and Julie, and their husbands, Mike and Karl; her grandchildren Avery, Michael, and Arielle; her siblings Philip and Allison, and their families. She will also be remembered by countless family members and friends whose lives she touched.

A celebration of Rebecca’s life will be held on November 2, 2025 at O.B. Davis Funeral Home in Miller Place, New York, from 12-4pm. All who knew and loved her are invited to join in honoring her memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Rebecca’s memory to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, whose compassionate care and dedication meant so much to her family.

Rebecca Susan Roggeveen will be remembered as a cherished wife, devoted mother, loving grandmother, loyal sister, and true friend. She touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed. Those who knew Rebecca experienced her beautiful soul firsthand. She was kind, gentle, and compassionate, always putting the needs of others before her own. She was the first to lend a hand, to offer comfort, or to simply show up when someone needed her the most. She touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed. Her spirit, her love, and her compassion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.