Rebecca Heidi Gladden

October 27, 1957 – October 19, 2026

Rebecca Heidi Gladden (née Leeds), affectionately known as “Becca,” of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away on October 19, 2026, at the age of 68, just eight days before her 69th birthday.

Born on October 27, 1957, in Queens, New York, Becca moved with her family to Tucson, Arizona, at the age of 10. She attended the University of Arizona, where she studied secondary education and participated in Army ROTC. She subsequently completed paramedic training through the Southern Arizona Paramedic Training Program in 1980 and studied registered nursing at Glendale Community College, Class of 1985.

Becca enjoyed two distinct and rewarding professional careers. She began in emergency medicine, becoming one of Arizona's first female paramedics. She later worked as a Certified Emergency Nurse, including service in a Level One Trauma Center, and as an emergency room nurse and charge nurse at John C. Lincoln North Mountain Hospital in Phoenix.

Her second career reflected her talents for writing, communications, public relations, and philanthropy. She held leadership positions at Challenger Space Center Arizona, including Grants and Communications Manager and Director of Education. An accomplished grant writer, Becca helped secure more than $1 million in grant funding throughout her career.

One of Becca's greatest passions was Beads of Courage, an organization dedicated to supporting children facing serious illnesses through meaningful arts-based programs. Beginning in 2010, she devoted many years to the organization, serving as Innovation Officer and later as a storyteller. Her dedication to sharing the experiences of children and families reflected the importance she placed on their stories.

Becca also had a lifelong interest in science, discovery, and education. She served as Media Director for Geoff Notkin of television's Meteorite Men and STEM Journals, Public Relations Director for the Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences, and a board member of Keepers of the Wild, an Arizona wildlife sanctuary. As a senior writer for Discover Con, she interviewed notable individuals about their lives and careers.

A passionate NASCAR enthusiast, Becca combined her love of racing with her professional talents, interviewing several NASCAR drivers and publishing several stories over the years.

Throughout her life, Becca pursued a remarkable variety of interests and professions, from saving lives in emergency rooms to advancing science education, supporting charitable causes, and telling stories that mattered.

Becca is survived by her son Trevor (wife Beverly) and son Patrick; her grandchildren, Damien and Lilith; her brother, Arlan; and her sister, Jaina.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honor Rebecca’s memory to make a donation to Beads of Courage or San Xavier del Bac Mission in Tucson, two organizations that were especially close to her heart.

One of Becca's favorite Bible verses was:

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

— John 16:33

A Committal Service will be held at Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary, 200 West Beardsley Road, Phoenix, AZ 85027, US, on November 3, 2026, from 11:00 am to 11:30 am.