July 15, 1924 – April 11, 2010


Leona "Lee" Elaine Becker (nee Betz) of Waukesha died peacefully in her home Sunday, April 11, 2010, at the age of 85.

Leona was born July 15, 1924, in Brookfield, to Edwin C.H. Betz and Marie M. Olschewske. She spent her early years on LeCarlian Farm, Brookfield, and received her elementary education at Hillside School near her home. Lee attended Waukesha High School and graduated in the Class of 1942. Her interest in art, drama and music continued because of her early training in these fields. For several years, she sang professionally, including opera. Her artistic talents were also displayed in her verses, sketches, paintings and dress designing. After high school, Lee worked as a tool designer for the Waukesha Motor Works. She also worked in telephone sales for the local Mary Kay Cosmetics director, Joyce Laux, from 1977 to 1982.

Lee was married July 3, 1947, to Henry "Heinie" Becker of Waukesha, who died Dec. 17, 1993. Like her beloved husband, she enjoyed observing the natural world around their Waukesha home.

Confined to a wheelchair due to polio since 1952, Lee’s positive attitude, determination, courage and independent spirit carried her through life’s many challenges. An entirely selfless individual, she always placed others’ needs before her own. Family and friends were her greatest joy, and her circle of influence was much wider than the narrow boundaries of her disabilities.

Lee provided ongoing support, therapy and love to her son, Rick, after he suffered a severe stroke in 1975, following a car accident and resulting head injury. She continued to support and champion him until the end.

A social person, Lee greatly enjoyed the meetings of their longtime "Card Club," which included friends and neighbors. They met at her home until very recently, when her declining health prevented further gatherings.

She was affiliated with St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Waukesha.

She will be dearly missed by daughter, Linda (Tom) Dougherty of Waukesha; son, Richard (Terry) Becker, also of Waukesha; cherished grandson, Christopher (Allison) Dougherty of Clarkston, Mich.; special nieces and nephews, Joel "Bunny" (Karen) Hoeppner, Jerry Hoeppner, Judy Brackin, Karen Eckmann, Curt (Jill) Betz, Betty Scopp and Bill (Tammy) Scopp; and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; infant twin son, Donald "Donny"; sister, Lillian "Lilly" Hoeppner; brother, Carl "Carlie" Betz; and her husband, Henry "Heinie" Becker.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to "Becky" Khongorzul Nasanjargal, Mom’s fulltime caregiver since September 2009. Because of Becky’s care, Mom was able to spend her last days in her own home.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until the 6:30 p.m. funeral service Friday, April 16, at Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home, 237 N. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha. Interment will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 17, at Prairie Home Cemetery. Please meet at the cemetery. Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home is serving the family. For further information, please call 542-6609, or for directions, an online obituary or to offer online condolences, please visit online at www.waukeshasfuneralhome.com.

    "Some people come into
    our lives and quickly go.
    Some stay for a while
    and leave footprints
    on our hearts, And we are never the same."