Rebecca Lynn Thomas "Becky"

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rebecca Lynn Thomas, lovingly known as "Becky" to her friends, a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, who left us on June 27, 2025, just days before her 70th birthday. Born on July 5, 1955 in Michigan, Becky had great warmth, creativity, and a drive to succeed, persevering through many obstacles in life. Her legacy will live on through the lives she touched and the traditions she cherished.

Becky was deeply proud of her Syrian-Lebanese heritage, which she celebrated through her love of family and food. She was a master in the kitchen, teaching her loved ones how to prepare treasured recipes passed down through generations, including kibbe and grape leaves stuffed with lamb and rice. These dishes were not just meals but symbols of love and connection, served at family gatherings where laughter and stories were shared. Her culinary skills were a testament to her deep appreciation for her roots and her desire to preserve the traditions of her ancestors.

A true cinephile, Becky had a lifelong love of movies and television, with a particular fondness for the gothic soap opera Dark Shadows.

The show, which aired from 1966 to 1971, spanning 1,225 episodes, captivated audiences with its hauntingly atmospheric storytelling and supernatural characters. Her favorite character, Barnabas Collins, was a complex and tragic vampire portrayed by actor Jonathan Frid. Barnabas’s struggle for redemption and love resonated deeply with her, and she often spoke of the show’s unique ability to blend drama, horror, and romance in a way that was ahead of its time. For her, watching Dark Shadows became a cherished ritual, and she delighted in introducing and talking about the series to friends and family, ensuring its legacy lived on in her home.

Becky also had an incredible passion for collecting, amassing a large and impressive collection of vintage Barbie dolls going back to her childhood era. Many of these dolls were preserved in their original packaging, reflecting her meticulous care and appreciation for their history and beauty. Her collection was a testament to her love of nostalgia and her ability to find joy in preserving pieces of the past. It brought her happiness and served as a unique connection to her own childhood memories.

Beyond her love of cinema and collecting, Becky was a passionate genealogist who uncovered the rich tapestry of her family’s history. On her mother’s side of the family, the family name Azar (originally El’ Azar) was anglicized to Eazer in the early 1900s after the first generation arrived in the Eastern United States. The family name has been traced back to the time of biblical figure Moses, translating to “God Helped” in Hebrew. Her dedication to tracing her family lineage led to the discovery of an extraordinary family tree that included actor Tony Shalhoub, listed as a second cousin. Her work culminated in the publication of a remarkable 700-page genealogy book, a labor of love that preserved her family’s history for future generations. Her meticulous research and storytelling brought her ancestors to life, connecting her loved ones to their heritage in profound and meaningful ways.

Becky is survived by her son, Jesse (Nikie) Esquivel, granddaughters, Eleni and Callista, her younger brother Robert (Bob) Thomas, and her nephew Donald Thomas, who will carry her memory in their hearts forever. A celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday, July 29th, at 10:00 AM at the Eternal Valley Memorial Park in Newhall, CA, where family and friends will gather to honor her memory and share stories.

Please feel free to upload any photos or a special memory or two you may have with Becky so we can preserve her beautiful legacy online.

May her soul rest in peace, and may her memory be eternal.