Aletha E.R. 'Becky' Hawkins

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Hawkins, Aletha E. R. "Becky" age 75, of Minneapolis died Tuesday, April 26. She was born Feb. 2, 1941 to William and Ruth Beckmann in Albert Lea, MN. She grew up in Wells, MN, and graduated from Wells High School in 1959. She attended Mankato State University, then later the University of Minnesota, where she received her teaching degree, and completed her masters degree at St. Thomas University. Becky married George Hawkins, her high-school (really elementary school) sweetheart, Sept. 14, 1961. They moved to Texas where he served in the U.S. Navy, before returning to Minnesota, finally settling in Minneapolis. George worked for the Veteran's Administration Medical Center and Becky taught elementary school until she retired in 1999. The couple had two children, Todd and William and a shih tzu dog, Mickey. She taught elementary school in Minneapolis at Franklin and Seward schools before starting her family. She returned to teaching when her children grew to school age, completing a masters degree and teaching special education at Morris Park, Wenonah, Andersen and Lyndale schools, all in Minneapolis. Becky and her family enjoyed the Minnesota lake country for many years. Fishing at the family lake home filled most weekends and vacation times. A seamstress, she sewed many clothes for her family. She enjoyed music, played piano in her home for many years, and after retiring began each morning with coffee and crossword puzzles from the StarTribune. George helped her with many answers that required sports knowledge. She also enjoyed watching "The Bold and the Beautiful," game shows, mysteries, talent competitions and figure skating. Becky was a member of Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church in south Minneapolis. She was also a member of the Fort Snelling Lions Club, holding many offices with that group. She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, George Hawkins, children Todd (Kelly) and William Hawkins (Michelle), grandchildren Grace Hawkins, Ethan Hawkins and Devin Masanz. She is also survived by many friends, neighbors, classmates and teaching colleagues. A funeral service will be held Saturday, May 7, at 11 am at Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church, 5011 31st Avenue South, Minneapolis, with visitation at 9:30. A reception follows at American Legion Post 99, 5600 34th Avenue South, Minneapolis. Memorials are suggested to Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church, the Minnesota Lions Vision Foundation or American Legion Auxiliary Unit 99. Washburn-McReavy.com Nokomis Park Chapel 612-721-1651

Published on May 1, 2016