Bekah was born Rebecca Suzanne Nowakowski at Dwight David Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Ft. Gordon, Georgia on March 15th, 1979, to James and Dorothy Nowakowski.
Bekahs early years were enjoyable…watching our girl grow up. Bekah loved playing – either in mud or with her dolls. We should have known then how her life was destined. Nature was always a part of her. One of her most enjoyable pass times was to climb a tree, find a comfortable nook and read a book. She was always out in the woods and forest with her sister, just exploring.
Bekah loved to sing. During high school she was a member of the Concert Choir which made state competitions several times. Bekah also joined the Pope John Paul II Youth Choral with her sister Jennifer and performed multiple times for the Denver area.
Bekah and Cody met a few years after high school. It was an immediate love, you could just see them gazing into each other’s eyes…oh...those eyes…never saying a word…but you had an idea what was being said. Later we were told we were going to be grandparents… Reno arrived on July 12, 2001. Bekah and Cody were married on March 23rd, 2001 and had a beautiful wedding ceremony one year later to the day…with Reno as ring bearer.
Reno is a major part of their lives. From early on he showed an extraordinary intelligence that can only be attributed to the love and nurturing he receives. Reno was especially close to his mother acquiring the passion for nature and compassion. His father brought the inquisitiveness of science, mechanics, electronics, and physics. There was nothing safe in our house if Reno had a screwdriver. The three of them formed a cohesive family unit that constantly rotated and shifted supporting each other during times of need. Bekah was able to see Reno graduate high school – an absolute milestone and joyous occasion for all. The exuberance displayed by Reno as he grew was phenomenal. He has become an exceptional young man who is loved by all – a massive tribute to his parents.
A firecracker. That’s what Cody calls her…and there could not be a better description. Bekah had a need to always be doing ‘something’. It was rare to see her actually sitting still and just relaxing with a book or one of her favorite C rate movies (five headed shark, sand sharks, sharknado, zombie shark,…). We affectionately have called her a Tornado. Her frequent visits would leave us spinning after she left…leaving us asking ourselves what just happened!
Those who were fortunate enough to know Bekah saw the sparkle in her eyes when she smiled. Bekah was kind, giving, loving, sharing. She had this infectious smile that preceded her into any room. Bekah was omnipresent. You always knew when Bekah arrived – she greeted everyone with a hug and that beautiful smile.
Bekah was absolutely beautiful – the kind of beautiful that women, as well as men, would stop and look when she entered. Vintage clothing was a favorite. Give Bekah a flowing dress and heels and she was in her element. It was common to be in a dress, makeup and hair done, just to clean the house or run to the store. I’ve often felt she would have been comfortable living in the 50’s. Bekah was just as comfortable in jeans and boots trudging through swamps and marshes looking for salamanders, frogs, bugs and flowers…providing her hair was done and makeup on! A friend coined a term that fits her perfectly… “Mud and Mascara”!
Bekah was full of life and loved being one with nature. Her love of frogs and amphibians was her trade mark and she always was out looking for critters in nearby ponds and streams. Photography was a favorite hobby that she exceled in…always finding flowers and insects…taking hundreds of images looking for that unique photo which was always stunning. Flowers were a passion with Bekah. Her house always had a fresh bouquet. Many times in her whirlwind visits she delivered a bouquet to her mom…always with that smile…oh that smile…
Bekah worked as a tour guide for the Lebanon and Everett mines at the Georgetown Loop Railroad. She was easily identified by her pink safety shoes and hard hat with frog emblem! Her dedication to the guests was unsurpassed – making sure they received the proper safety briefings and information about the mines. Always diligent, she insured the younger guests were able to ask questions and participate in demonstrations. Guests were always greeted with that smile. Her persona was always upbeat giving the guests the best possible experience. Reno worked with his mom at the mines teaching guests how to gold pan, continuing the close relationship they had. Bekah's personality was contagious and spilled over into the lives of her co-workers always making their day wonderful and joyful. During the Christmas season she worked as Santa’s elf/helper. Bekah was in high demand by ‘Santa’ who just loved working with her. Over the years that smile and persona brightened the lives of thousands of children and adults alike.
Bekah peacefully passed away in her sleep on June 16th, 2019.
Bekah is survived by her parents James and Dot, husband Cody, her son Reno, sister Jennifer, and grandmother Nowakowski. Family included Cody’s parents April and Dennis, brother-in-law Casey, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and their families. Her legacy will be carried on by hundreds of friends from work, high school, and thousands of guests who visited the Georgetown Loop Railroad mine tours and Christmas trains.
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