Rebecca Anne Ecklund passed away on March 6, 2024, in Port Charlotte, Florida, at the age of 71. Becky was born in Lombard, Illinois, on November 30, 1952, to Dorothy O. Ecklund and Harry V. Ecklund. She grew up in Lombard and Racine, Wisconsin, where she attended Case High School and the University of Wisconsin–Parkside. She went on to study at UW–Madison, where she was awarded a BA (Hons) in English language and literature, both lifelong passions. 

After college Becky worked at Western Publishing in Racine, where she wrote and edited books for children and young adults. She went on to work in university administration and later developed an interest in computer programming and web development, which she studied at UW–Eau Claire. After moving to Florida in 2001, she worked for the public school system in Charlotte County, eventually becoming a specialist in computer systems support. 

Becky met Harry Seeger in Racine in 1979 and moved with him to northern Wisconsin, where they married in 1983. Their son Matthew was born in 1986. The family spent many happy summers boating on Lake Superior and, after moving to Florida, along the Gulf Coast off Port Charlotte. She and Harry divorced in 2001. In 2012, Becky’s life was threatened by a severe autoimmune disorder that left her blind and paralyzed from the waist down. A strong-willed woman with a zest for life, she fought a courageous battle against her illness for more than 10 years with the love and support of family and friends. We are deeply grateful for the friendship and devotion of Nicole Chouinard, Sherry Serven, and Cliff Stratton, who have become a cherished part of our extended Ecklund family.

The happiest times of Becky’s life were the lazy days spent out on the water with Matt and Harry, with fish on the line and the wind in her hair. She loved reading books of all kinds, and after losing her sight transitioned to audiobooks, podcasts, and listening as her dear friend Nikki read aloud. Becky read widely and critically, following social and political issues with a sharp mind and quick wit while also appreciating a good story well told. She found strength and community in Al-Anon and other support groups, where she was an inspiration and mentor to others throughout her life.

Becky had a beautiful voice, singing alto in several choirs, most recently the Suncoast Chorale. She appreciated all types of music and musicians, from Rachmaninoff to Stevie Ray Vaughan, and her favorite way to spend an evening was soaking up a live performance. Before her illness, she and her sisters went on adventures to San Francisco and New York, where they enjoyed concerts, plays, and good food. The greatest joy of her life was Matthew, a talented artist whose accomplishments she followed with tremendous pride and delight.

Becky is survived by her son, Matthew Seeger of Tallahassee, Florida; siblings Dianne Farrell, David Ecklund, Lorelei Ecklund (Edward Panyk), and Eileen Ecklund (Randy Zebell); nephews Michael and Christopher Farrell, Jeffrey and Christopher Ecklund, and Nicholas (Sarah) Panyk; niece Alexandra (Michael) Wood; and great-niece and -nephews Sofia, Lukas, and Jackson Panyk. Her ashes will be scattered in a private ceremony.