Submitted by: John C. Monk

 

Rebecca Strzelecki-Fountain

SOUTH BEND - Becky Strzelecki-Fountain was born on January 26, 1964 in South Bend to Art and Mary (Schneider) Strzelecki. She peacefully entered the kingdom of God on Sunday, March 14, 2010.
Becky is survived by her husband Jamey Fountain of West Palm Beach Florida, her father, Art, her stepmother Martha, her brothers Mike (Gayle), Len (Amy) all living in South Bend, her stepsister Becky Cain of Indianapolis, Indiana, and her stepbrothers Kurt (Manami) Valko of Yokosuka Japan and Mark (Jill) Valko of Olympia, Washington. Becky's mother, Mary Fern Schneider Strzelecki and sister, Cindy (Jeff) Shelley preceded her in death. Becky had a special bond with her Busha, Mary Peczkowski, who took care of Becky after her mom passed away. Becky will be laid to rest next to her. Becky was a loving aunt to seven nieces and nephews: Christina Shelley, Keith, Emily, Melissa, Nick, Ashley, and Lauren Strzelecki. She has a large extended family of fourteen aunts and uncles and over twenty cousins. Becky was baptized and confirmed at St. Patrick's Church in South Bend. She graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1982 and Ball State University in 1985 with a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education. Becky and Jamey were married in 1985. Becky very much wanted to live in a warmer climate; she convinced Jamey to move far away from family and they made their home in West Palm Beach. Becky taught special education to grade-school students in nearby Belle Glade, Florida. Becky can be described as sweet, kind, loving, shy, happy, agreeable, and adventuresome. She was very supportive of Jamey while he went to college full-time in Florida. She was proud of her home and garden and loved her dogs, Sidney and Barney. Becky became symptomatic with Huntington's Disease about the same time Jamey graduated from college. At that time, they decided to spend this valuable time together in a unique way--they bought a used RV and toured the United States for over a year. Since late 2003, Becky's illness required that she have round-the-clock care. She was well cared for at Palm Gardens Nursing Home (West Palm) and, more recently, at Sanctuary of Holy Cross (South Bend). Hospice provided additional care at both locations and their assistance in Becky's care is greatly appreciated. Friends and family will be welcomed on Thursday, March 18 from 10 am until 11 am at Little Flower Catholic Church. A funeral mass will be held at 11 am in the Chapel at Little Flower with burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Road is assisting the family. Memorial contributions may be made to Little Flower Catholic Church 54191 Ironwood Drive, South Bend, IN 46634 and to Huntington's Disease Society of America 505 Eighth Avenue, Suite 902 New York, NY 10018 1-800-345-HDSA (4372). For those who are unable to attend the Funeral Service, condolences for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net

Published in South Bend Tribune on March 17, 2010