Obituaries this week reflect on the lives of two remarkable women, Aurora A. Hernandez and Betty J. Becker, who have left lasting legacies through their families and communities.
Aurora A. Hernandez, aged 94, formerly of Minneapolis, passed away recently, leaving behind her beloved family. Survived by her sister Priscila and brother Conrado, Aurora was known as a matriarch of sorts to her many nieces and nephews who cherished her deeply. Her Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Monday, January 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Church of St. Richard, located at 7540 Penn Ave. So., Richfield, with interment following at Lakewood Cemetery. Visitation will take place the day prior, on Sunday, January 5, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at Gill Brothers Funeral Home, 5801 Lyndale Ave. So. The family invites all who knew Aurora to come and share their remembrances during these services, honoring her vibrant spirit and the love she shared.
Meanwhile, Betty J. Becker, 87, of Aurora, died on December 30, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at Mercy Hospital. Born on July 18, 1937, Betty was the daughter of Willard and Margaret (Kreitz) Miller. Betty dedicated many years of her life as part of the workforce, retiring from AT&T, formerly Western Electric, in 1990. She was celebrated not only as a devoted wife of 68 years to Edward Becker Sr. but also as the loving mother to three children and cherished grandmother to numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Known affectionately as the family matriarch, Betty hosted countless family gatherings with warmth and joy, ensuring everyone felt welcomed with open arms. She will be remembered for her open-door policy, her smiles, and her deep sense of pride for her family, who repeatedly found comfort and joy within her company. Sadly, Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Sandra Ann Carrillo, and four brothers, Earl, William, Charles, and Merle Miller.
Betty is survived by her devoted husband, her son Edward (Kelly) Becker Jr. of DeKalb, and her daughter Shirley (Charles) Assell of Wildwood, Florida. Her grandchildren include Abel (Lucy) Carrillo; Kelly (Ryan) Mancillas; Anthony (Krysten) Gerace Jr; Gabino Carrillo; Kevin (Carly) Becker; Joshua Becker; and Christopher Becker. She also has great-grandchildren Serenity, Zander, Layla Munk, and Joseph Gerace, along with her sister Marmae Haight of Warrenville and brother James (Karen) Miller of Charlestown, West Virginia, as well as several nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.
Both Aurora and Betty embodied the spirit of family, love, and devotion, leaving indelible marks on their loved ones. Each of their obituaries serves not just as remembrances of their lives but as celebrations of their contributions to family and community.
For Betty, the family is coordinating arrangements and extending invitations to those who may wish to leave condolences or share memories. For more information or to sign the online guestbook for Betty, family members can be reached at 630-897-9291 or visit HealyChapel.com.
The lives of Betty J. Becker and Aurora A. Hernandez remind us of the importance of cherishing our loved ones and the memories we create together. Their legacies will continue to flourish through their families, who carry forward their kindness and love.