Information from Deborah Jane Rowe 05/10/2019

Rebecca Jean (Rowe) Smith
Nov. 7, 1951 - Mar. 15, 2013

SOUTH BEND - Rebecca Jean (Rowe) Smith, 61, passed away on Friday at Hospice House, South Bend. Becki was born on November 7, 1951, in South Bend. Her parents, Sam and Jane (Sommer) Rowe, and a brother, Benjamin Rowe, preceded her in death.

On November 7, 1992, she married Gary Lee Smith, who also preceded her in death. Becki and Gary adopted a granddaughter, Sabryna Smith, who survives. She is also survived by sisters, Linda Rowe-Regelean of South Bend, Deborah Rowe of Mishawaka; a brother, Jeffrey (Bev) Rowe of Plymouth; a step-brother, Jim (Gretchen) Nieb of South Bend; a niece, Jeney Regelean of South Bend, and her children, Aislinn and Kamryn; and a nephew, Aaron Rowe of Plymouth. Also surviving are an aunt, Lee Sturm; a cousin, Chris (Sara Gustafson) Sturm of Orlando, FL; a sister-in-law, Sandy (Ron) Krise of Ft. Myers, FL; stepsons, Gary, Norman, Michael (Maria) and Todd (Spring) Smith; several step-grandchildren; her dogs, Cheerio and Sophie, and her cat, Sherbet.

Becki attended South Bend schools Perley, Jefferson, St. Patrick's and was in the last class to graduate from Central High School in 1970. She attended classes at IUSB for 2 years. She worked for Indiana Bell, Vegetable Buddies night club, and then moved to Bloomington, IN, where she worked for Sunrise Publications. She returned to South Bend in 1986 and worked for the South Bend Medical Foundation until she became disabled due to lung cancer. She retired in 2011.

Becki wished to express her gratitude to her family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and medical staff. She was truly surprised by the amount of love, support and generosity she experienced during her illness, and it touched her deeply. A lifelong family friend, Sandra Streets, so generously gave her time to stay with Becki and take care of all her needs. Becki's family wishes to thank the employees of Holy Cross Rehabilitation and Wellness Center and the Center of Hospice Care who lovingly cared for her the last days of her earthly life. There will be a two hour informal gathering at McGann Hay Funeral Homes, University Chapel, 2313 E. Edison Rd., South Bend, from to 1-3 pm Tuesday; immediately following will be a procession to Porter Rae Cemetery at Potato Creek State Park, where a natural "Green Burial" will take place with a graveside service. Becki's late husband Gary's ashes will be buried with her. Donations may be sent to Riverbend Cancer Services, 919 E. Jefferson, South Bend, 46617; and Pet Refuge, 2300 W 6th St., Mishawaka, IN 46544. To send condolences to the family or for directions, log on to www.mcgannhay.com. She was a member of the Baha'i Faith.

Published in South Bend Tribune on March 18, 2013.

04/20/2022 DEC

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