Rebecca Underwood Brechtel

Becky was born July 30, 1940 in Foley, Alabama. She graduated from Foley High School in 1958. Attending the University of Southern Mississippi for her higher education studies, Becky received a Bachelors of Science in Library Science in 1962; Masters of Science in Counseling and Guidance in 1964; Specialist of Counseling in 1975; and Doctorate of Education in 1979. Becky held teaching certifications for Guidance Counselor; Secondary Social Studies; School Librarian; English Language Arts and Academically Gifted.

Professionally, "Dr. B" was a dedicated educator for 52 years. Throughout the years she held many positions. While employed with the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, she held the following positions: Librarian; Instructor of Library Science; Counselor; Coordinator with the Office of Orientation and Advisement; Assistant Professor, Department of Counseling and Psychology; Director of High School and Junior College Relations (1969-1979). Positions at Loyola University of New Orleans included: Dean of Admissions, Director of Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions; Assistant Professor of Adult Education; and Instructor of Sociology (1979- 1987). Delgado Community College: Vice President for Student Affairs and College Relations (1987-1988). Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs at Indiana State University as a visiting professor (1988-1989); Orleans Parish School Board: Librarian and Ranking Teacher at Benjamin Franklin Magnet Elementary; Harriet Tubman Elementary; and Gifted Social Studies Teacher at Edna Karr Magnet High School; Director of "ADEPT" after-school programs for 70 schools citywide (1989-2003). Lastly, Becky was employed with Belle Chasse Academy, where she was Coordinator of the Gifted and Talented Department and Gifted Teacher until her retirement in 2014 (2003-2014).

Her hobbies and interests involved service to others and the Lord. Becky was a dedicated humanitarian and devout Catholic. Over the years, St. Margaret of Scotland in Foley, AL; St. Thomas in Hattiesburg, MS; Holy Name of Mary in Algiers Point; St. Andrew the Apostle in Algiers; and St. Francis Xavier in Old Metairie were her home parishes. Her most treasured activities were serving the work of Father Patrick Quinn in Saltillo, Mexico, where she participated in 28 mission trips. Other areas of community involvement included: The Center for Jesus the Lord Hunger Fund, Ozanam Inn; Harry Tompson Rebuild Center for the Homeless; St. Joseph Native American School in South Dakota; Friends of Brechtel Park; and Board member for the "Barry Brechtel Memorial Park Fund;" Board of Directors, Tulane University Summer Lyric Theater; Board of Directors, Magnolia Springs Library in Magnolia Springs, AL; and the Prison Ministry. Furthermore, Becky and Berengher opened The Brechtel Institute, and for more than 40 years they created and presented more than 700 management and motivational workshops throughout the world.

Becky had many accomplishments and awards. During her under undergraduate years at the University of Southern Mississippi, she was a member of the "Dixie Darlings" all four years. She was a Fulbright Scholar to Africa in the 1990's; Authored or co-authored publications in 8 nationally circulated journals; Past National Scholarship Chairman for Delta Zeta Social Sorority; Past chairperson of the "Garden Gala" for Little Sisters of the Poor (1994-98). Louisiana Department of Education, Gifted and Talented State Conference, Speaker (2007-09); Thomas Jefferson Liberty Fellowship, the American Institute of History Education (2007-09); Outstanding Educator, American Institute of History Education (2008); Delta Kappa Gamma, Professional Women's Honorary; Pi Tau Chi, Religious Honorary; Blue Key National Honor Fraternity; and 2014 Cabrini Distinguished Educator of the Year.

As a student at the University of Southern Mississippi, Becky met Berengher, her "Prince Charming" and great love of her life in 1960. On January 21, 1965, Rebecca and Joseph Berengher Brechtel, Sr. were joined together in Holy Matrimony. Becky treasured Berengher and their children, Barry and Royceann. Their amazing marriage was filled with love, faith, and adventure. This January, Becky and Berengher celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Becky is survived by her husband J. Berengher Brechtel of Metairie, LA; cherished daughter, Royceann Brechtel Fugler (Chad) of Metairie, LA; daughter-in-law, Pam Bitterwolf Brechtel of Covington, LA; sisters, Myra Underwood Olson (Carl) of Mobile, AL, and Judith Underwood Krippel (Joe) of Houston, TX; sister-in-law, Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson (Arthur) of New Orleans, LA; adoring grandchildren, Joseph Berengher "Beren" Brechtel, III, Sophia Marie Brechtel, Kyleigh Alyse Fugler, Bennet Gordon Brechtel, and Catherine Ann "Cate" Fugler; uncle, Gerald "Jerry" Davidson, Sr., (Barbara) of Magnolia Springs, AL; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceded in death by her beloved son, Joseph Berengher "Barry" Brechtel, Jr. (Pam) of Covington, LA; parents, Roy G. Underwood and Sybil Davidson Underwood of Magnolia Springs, AL; grandparents Marshall and Minnie Underwood of Magnolia Springs, AL and Thomas and Rebecca Davidson of Bay Minette, AL; brother-in-law, John P. Brechtel, III (Dianne) of Hammond, LA; sister-n-law, Jeanne Brechtel Battistella (Louis) of Arabi, LA; and numerous aunts and uncles.

Friends and relatives may call on the family between 11:00am and 1:00pm on April 25, 2015 at St. Francis Xavier Church. The following mass will celebrate Becky's life at 1:00pm and will be officiated by The Most Reverend John Arnone. The interment will take place on Monday, April 27th at 12:00 Noon at Pine Rest Memorial Park, 16541 US Hiighway 98 Foley, AL 36535. Graveside service will be officiated by Reverend Paul Zoghby.

Pallbearers: Jerry M. Davidson, Chad Fugler, Beren Brechtel, Johnny Brechtel, III, Lyle Underwood, and Lenny Alsfeld.

In lieu of flowers, you may send donations to: The Harry Tompson Homeless Center at 130 Baronne St., N.O.,LA. 70112; "The Barry Brechtel Memorial Fund," in care of Friends of Brechtel Park, attn: Missy Duhon at 3221 Behrman Hwy, N.O., LA. 70114; The Magnolia Springs Public Library at 12440 Magnolia Ave., #400, Magnolia Springs, AL. 36555.

Arrangements entrusted to Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, New Orleans, LA