Rebecca A. Pender, 66

Rebecca A. Pender, 66, of Woodstock, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on May 8, 2025, after a 5-year battle with cancer.She was a graduate of Woodstock High School Class of 1977, and a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Woodstock.

Becky married her sweetheart, Tim, in 1984. She loved raising two sons, Scott (Leah) and Todd (Emily), and then watching them build lives of their own. She was blessed with two daughters-in-law and four cherished grandchildren: Hannah 4, Ted 3, Amelia 3, and Lillian 1, all of whom were the light of her life.

Becky was a woman of grace, always with a heartfelt smile, exhibiting love and compassion throughout life. She lived by the golden rule and was guided through life by her faith. She looked for the good she knew was in all she met, showed empathy for others, always willing to lend a hand or show support to causes she cared about. She valued, very much, her relationships with friends, many lifelong.

Professionally, Becky was proud to work in the McHenry County Treasurer’s Office, McHenry County Health Department, and the Door Township Assessor’s Office. She is known for her accuracy, competency, and the special communication skills needed for the citizens who require more finesse.

She loved trying out, and eating, new recipes; taking walks with her girlfriends; slow dancing with her husband, when she could get him out on the floor; and sewing projects for her grandchildren. Becky loved traveling with her family and friends, visiting most of the 50 states and a few countries. Her favorites include Hawaii, Riviera Maya, and Florence, Italy.

She will be missed for her unique humor, her kindness and generosity, her unwavering faith, called upon often through the fight of her life. All will miss her famous chocolate chip cookies.

Becky was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Elmer Fields and Helen Fields; brother-in-law, Brian Pender; her nephew, Steve Garza; and her father-in-law, Tom Pender.

Her family will honor her life with a memorial visitation Friday, May 16, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, 1211 N. Seminary Ave., in Woodstock. The visitation will continue Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral at 11 a.m,, at the First United Methodist Church, 201 W. South St., in Woodstock.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, or to the Woodstock Food Pantry.