Adeline Margaret Becker

Born to Eternal Life, with her family at her side, Sunday, September 18, 2016, age 92 years. Beloved wife of Raymond; dear mother of Peter (Marina Wong), Kathy (Bruce Erdman), Chris (Gerald Simpson), Tom (Terri Niemczyk), Jon, Susan, Gene (Kate Wade), and James (Kate Becker); fond sister of Frank Jr., Louie, Rudy, Bernie, and Zita; cherished grandmother of Ben, Jared, Jeri, Jessica, Gregory, Christopher, Matthew, Tess, Nick, Myra, Maureen, Samuel, Greta, and Jay; and great grandmother of Olive, Jake, and Kaiden. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, her sister Zita, her husband, and her son Tom. While still in high school and also caring for her father and sister, Adeline began working at the front desk of the Midwest Creamery in Plymouth, WI. She married Raymond Becker on June 12, 1948 and became a devoted mother to eight children. Committed to her children's welfare, she stayed at home in the Milwaukee area, working long hours for something considerably less than the minimum wage. After Ray died, Adeline moved to Madison, WI to be nearer some of her grandchildren, and she helped to raise the children of her son Tom after he passed. All of her grandchildren remember Adeline's cookies, her soup, her fudge, the hard candy, her willingness to play a game and to read a story. Adeline eventually returned to employment, working part-time in a variety of retail settings into her late 70s. Her considerable sewing skills and household experience allowed her to provide valuable advice to her customers. When not working, she was beating everyone mercilessly at Scrabble. Raised in the Roman Catholic faith, Adeline was a member of the Mother of Perpetual Help and the Our Lady of Good Hope congregations in Milwaukee, and of the St. Bernard and St. Peter congregations in Madison. She was active as a volunteer with the Madison parishes, as well as with neighborhood and community groups. Into her 80s, she mentored young girls and women, baked goods and served in community kitchens, and helped to quilt blankets for people in need. A private Celebration of Life was held by the family on September 24. Adeline will rest with her husband Ray at Holy Cross Cemetery in Milwaukee, WI. Friends and family may post condolences online at http://www.gundersonfh.com/ obituaries/obituary-listings. Please honor Adeline by contributing to your favorite charity in her memory. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420