Nina May Becker nee Staggs was born April 30, 1936 in Tupper, B.C. She was raised in the B.C. South Peace along with her brother Merv Staggs (Joyce), and sisters Winona Vincent (Gordon), Opal Cassidy (Jim) and Anna Bartsch (Ted).
Nina attended Nursing school in Calgary, AB from 1955 to 1956. After her training she worked at the Royal Alex Hospital in Edmonton for a year and then moved back to northern Alberta. She met her husband Fred "Jr" Becker while working at the Pouce Coupe Hospital as an LPN.
Fred and Nina were married January 17, 1959. They travelled around and saw the country with Fred's work in the road construction industry before settling on the Becker family farm in Rimbey, AB in 1967; the farm where Fred was raised with his sisters, Bev Gunnell (John), Shirley Higgs (Allan), Colleen Munro (Ron), and Carolyn Jefferson.
Nina embraced the farming life. She always had a huge garden, she worked in the fields, helped with the cow/calf operation and the feedlot. Nina milked cows, raised chickens, trained horses and kids (and not just her own). Nina will be fondly remembered for teaching nieces, nephews, and childrens' friends how to ride a horse, milk a cow, drive a standard, and about the facts of life. Her home was always open and never more so than for Wayne McCrackin, neighbour, farm hand and honorary son.
Nina went back to nursing at the Rimbey hospital in 1977. In 1989 Fred and Nina retired from farming life and sold the farm. They moved into the town of Rimbey and in 1993 built a new house, where Nina let her love of gardening flourish in her backyard.
Nina was a lifelong learner. She continued to take courses and get certifications long past retirement age. She was a certified CPR instructor, laser therapist, licensed foot care specialist and an orthotics specialist. At the age of 63, Nina had her first downhill ski lesson. She was fearless.
Nina was an active community member. She loved being part of the Chinook Ladies Club, was involved in 4-H, the Rimbey Horticultural
Society, was a member of the Anglican Church Women's League, and prepared many meals catering on behalf of the Anglican church in Rimbey.
Nina always had a smile for everyone, and her sense of humour could be seen in her sparkling blue eyes. Nina adored her grandchildren and loved having them come and stay with her.
Nina was predeceased by her husband Fred Jr. Becker in 2011.
Nina leaves to mourn her children Charlene Cavers (Dave), Cordell Becker, Cheryle Becker, Colin Becker (Bill). Grandchildren Brad Cavers (Tanya), Reese Cavers, Dana Grinde (Rocky), Kelly Grinde, Kristof Kokts-Porietis, and Renee Kokts-Porietis. Great grandchildren Alexis, Landon, and Cali.
Nina passed away peacefully in long term care in Calgary AB.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Parkinson's Society. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.