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Rebecca Joann Ford
1946 - 2022
Rebecca Ford died peacefully in her Napa home January 4, 2022, of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. She was born September 17, 1946, in Des Moines, Iowa, to W.G. and Norma (Shrock) Burris, moving to California as a child. Rebecca attended Shasta High in Redding and graduated from Napa High after her family moved before her senior year.
In 1968 she received a BA in Spanish from UC Davis and later an MA in Linguistics. Her thesis explored the syntax and pronunciation of vocabulary used in science and included a chapter of lessons, an updated version of which is still used in classes for international students at UC Davis nearly 50 years later.
In 1975 she co-founded a small intensive English program at UCD Extension that has grown to serve thousands of students. Later, Rebecca joined the ESL faculty at Sacramento City College, where she had a wonderful twenty-year career developing courses and materials, having fun in the classroom, and making lasting friendships with colleagues.
In retirement she volunteered with FARMS, a leadership program for underserved youth, based in Winters. In Napa she was a member of the Tai Chi Club, a wonderful group of people with whom she shared many laughs and positive thoughts.
Rebecca leaves her daughter Kristin Ford (Brian Suter), sister Peggy Burris (Glenn Suyeyasu), brother Guy Burris, niece Amy Little (Nasser Abulaban), beloved grandsons, Jeffrey and Brady Suter, and grandnephew, Thomas Abulaban. She also leaves behind lifelong friends, especially Randy Reed and Linda Davis-Reed, who were a constant source of support through her long illness.
Rebecca loved her garden, books, and travel, especially hiking in the mountains of Europe. She was known for her sense of adventure, including spending milestone birthdays in a hot air balloon or skydiving. Rebecca had a passion for making meals from her garden to share with friends and family. She was always willing to assist with book, resume, essay & college application editing. Rebecca had a mischievous sense of humor, and a unique ability to listen and provide advice to others.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring. Donations in Rebecca's memory can be made to the California Native Plant Society.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/napavalleyregister/name/rebecca-ford-obituary?pid=201194097&utm_source=MarketingCloud&utm_medium=email&utm_campai
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Stephanie Inman (Lamar)
I remember Becky at Napa High and always enjoyed her company - we shared time in Spanish classes. She was a kind and friendly person with a ready smile for everyone. I did not realize she was new to Napa as a Senior - she seemed so comfortable with everyone. And what a great career she had! I'm happy to have known her, and very sorry to hear of her passing. RIP Becky.
Diane Raymond (Ball)
So sorry to hear of Becky's passing. We were friends in High School. I, too, didn't realize that Becky had just moved to Napa, as she fit in so nicely. Like many High School friends, we lost touch with each other. Prayers to her family.
Len Casanega
I remember Becky for her kindness, sense of humor and joy in life. She is missed.
Jane Dickel (Jennison)
It was a long and difficult struggle the last few years for Becky, but she persevered and came to as many functions as she could. Bless you sweet lady, you are now at peace. Thanks for the memories.
Bruce Erricson
Thank goodness for our 50th reunion in 2014. If not for that, I wouldn't have reconnected with so many dear friends from the past, not the least of whom was Becky (these days she scolded me for calling her by that name). I thought she joined us for our Junior year, but my memory is often faulty. Regardless, it's safe to say that all who got to know her enjoyed and appreciated her intelligence, thoughtfulness and ready wit. (A plus for me: she was also born in and thus from Iowa. We stayed in close touch after the reunion and really enjoyed getting reacquainted as we had many things in common after all these years. She was a special person and true friend and I shall miss her. At least her suffering is over.