Becky’s life

Becky Ridgeway, of Wexford, Pennsylvania, passed away on May 23, 2022 after 60 years of savoring every spring day, every bite of chocolate, and every moment with the people she loved.

She leaves behind:

Her husband, Dave Marko

Her daughter, Sarah Tarkoff

Her mother, Sue Amy (Don)

Her sister, Cathy Hill (Wayne)

Her brother, Mike Ridgeway (Judy)

Many step-siblings, nieces, nephews, and dear friends who loved her like family

A very cute cat, Levi

No enemies that we know of

And a world full of acquaintances who could tell she was special.

Becky was just one of those people you remember. Because of her kindness, her sense of humor, or the way she always knew the right thing to say in times of tumult.

She was born in Dallas on November 13, 1961, but spent most of her childhood in Oklahoma. After receiving a heart transplant at the age of 27, she fought tirelessly for the cause of organ donor awareness, feeling deep gratitude to the donor whose gift had saved her life.

Becky spent her next 33 years as an accomplished accountant, a devoted mother, an adoring wife, and an active member of her UU church community. She loved the outdoors — as her health declined, instead of retreating inward, she gained an even greater appreciation for the beauty of nature, delighting in spotting everything from hawks to fungi.

After a diagnosis of terminal disease in her transplanted heart, she bravely chose to embrace the best quality of life she could during her final years. She passed quickly and painlessly, holding the hand of her beloved husband, and she wasn’t afraid.

Becky believed very strongly that life is what you make it, so she made it beautiful. And since she believes that the spirit continues on after death, we know that somewhere out there, she is making death beautiful too.

There will be no visitation, but a memorial service will be held via zoom on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at 1pm eastern time (12pm central/10am pacific). Invitations have not yet been sent out, but if you would like to be added, please submit your email here.

In lieu of flowers, she requests donations be made in her honor to her favorite charity, Street Business School, or your local food bank. And if you are not an organ donor, we would urge you to check that box on your drivers license the next time you renew, in her honor.