Roll Call Tribute

Rebecca Lynn "Becky" (Gary) Sweers 

July 29, 1963 - May 15, 2024 

The world lost a bright light on May 15, 2024 with the passing of Rebecca "Becky" Lynn (Gary) Sweers.

Becky's early years began in Charleston, West Virginia, but she soon moved to Columbus, Ohio, where she established lifelong friendships and cherished memories. During those years, her family took numerous camping trips, further nurturing her love of the outdoors. These trips instilled a love of travel in Becky that continued throughout her life.

Her formative years continued in Houston, Texas, where she graduated from high school and pursued higher education at Texas A&M University in College Station. It was during her college years that she formed many of her closest and lifelong friendships. Many friends from those Aggie days remained her closest throughout her life. No matter where they were in the world, they always tried to meet up with these special friends during their annual "river trip" over the Memorial Day weekend. Becky cherished those weekends because of her deep love for those friends. However, the most important friend she met at A&M was her beloved best friend and husband, Marcel.

Becky and Marcel were married on April 8, 1989, and moved to Marcel's home country of Curacao, the first of many places they would travel to together. In her professional life, she held various roles, including teaching and technical writing. However, the job she cherished most came in the form of motherhood to her beloved kids, Zac and Danique, born in 1991 and 1994. Her dedication as a mother was unmatched; she never missed a single soccer game or gymnastics meet, and she created a world of endless opportunities for her children. Together, Becky and Marcel raised two smart and adventurous kids, both of whom have enjoyed a love of travel throughout the world, just like their parents.

Later in life, Becky and Marcel moved to Marin County, California, where Becky decided to go back to school: hiking school, that is. She spent her days hiking nearly every trail on her favorite mountain, Mount Tam. It was there that she reconnected with her passion for the outdoors. Becky's love for nature was profound. With a new and powerful little camera, Becky began to take pictures of all the things she saw along the way and quickly became quite the nature photographer, capturing images of everything they would see along their hikes, including scat. One of her most remarkable qualities was her ability to find beauty in even the smallest things; no mushroom or flower went unnoticed. We could all learn from her, as we often overlook the beauty in what seems insignificant.

Above all, Becky loved her family. She is survived by her husband, Marcel; son, Zac; daughter, Danique; daughter-in-law, Nadine; mother, Petey Gary; and siblings, Laura, Kip, and Sue. She will be deeply missed by all. She taught us to love fiercely, to surround ourselves with nature, and to have strength and poise in the face of adversity.

On her final day, with bravery, strength and gentleness, Becky left us purposefully and peacefully, surrounded by the people she loved, the sound of birds chirping, a rippling brook, the mountains, and of course, the trees. Becky's legacy is carried forward by the countless lives she touched with her kindness and the beautiful memories etched in the hearts of those who knew her.

In keeping with Becky's last wish, we will gather to scatter her ashes at her favorite place: Mt. Tam. This special spot, chosen by Becky, offers breathtaking views of San Francisco, the mountains, and the ocean. 

If you'd like to honor Becky by supporting something personal and meaningful to Becky's life, please consider donating to the Death with Dignity National Center at www.deathwithdignity.org or Friends of Mt Tam at www.friendsofmttam.org.