ELEANOR ROBERTA MCLEAN (KNOX / BECKER)

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ELEANOR ROBERTA MCLEAN (KNOX / BECKER) November 20, 1922 - February 18, 2011 In Loving Memory Mrs. Becker passed peacefully in Penticton, British Columbia, with her son, Ric at her side, holding her hand and singing softly. Predeceased by Dr. Richard Knox and Leonard Becker and brother Gordon. Lovingly remembered by children Richard Knox, Charles and Bruce Becker and Martha Mehall and their families. Survived by Neil and Betty McLean and Helen Grant and the whole McLean Clan. Known affectionately as Bobby as a young woman she was a songbird as a debutant and sang for the troop shows in Winnipeg, Manitoba the place of her birth. She developed her independent nature and folksy royal heart on the Stevenson farm with her aunt and uncle in Gainesboro, Saskatchewan. She married her high school sweetheart Dr. Richard Knox and they moved their young family to Dryden, Ontario, Edinburgh, Scotland, settling finally in Royal Oak, Michigan, USA in 1963. Dick Knox passed away in 1972. Through a series of synchronous events she met and married the love of her life Leonard Becker. They were a sun kissed, warm and charismatic couple. Len died tragically and unexpectedly in 1973. Eleanor carried on with a personal vigilance and self reliance. Growing her estate sale business as Group Sales Director at the Birmingham Theatre and being of service to her community. She received the prestigious Salvation Army Award of Excellence. At 75 she drove herself across the North American Continent visiting beloved relatives and friends on her way to retreat and a return to her roots in Canada in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia. Loved and adored and the favourite of many. Known for her graciousness, her signature style, wit, wisdom and welcoming nature. Beautiful, with a singular elegance, she spoke her mind without reservation and specifically railed against man's inhumanity to man. She was reading three books prior to her passing. Bill Clinton, My Life; The Thorn Birds (her own 1st edition) and The Quiet Mind of White Eagle. Her generosity and empathy allowed her to never be wary of strangers. You were a stranger but once. A connoisseur of the home cooked meal, a vegetable gourmet and conversationalist. She loved sailing, gardening, bridge, cribbage and poker. She loved cars and driving fast. A little Scotch and a cigarette, Darn Right!!! And Kleenex....of course. Oh my dear sweet, darling girl, we all will miss you so... A Memorial Celebration was held on Sunday, March 6, 2011 at Leir House, Penticton. Donations gratefully appreciated to the Salvation Army. Arrangements entrusted to: Graham Funeral Home 34616 - 99th Street, Oliver (250) 498-3833 Your message of condolence, sharing your fond memories of Eleanor may be sent to: www.grahamfh.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 12, 2011