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One thing is for sure-Rebecca Thomsen knew how to have a good time. Some would say she was the life of the party, and all would agree she understood the secret to a life well lived. Becky’s mantra was “live and let live”. She valued inclusivity and was non- judgmental about the choices people make. She accepted people as they were and was a shining example of kindness and generosity. Becky always had a smile on her face, and was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times. Nothing brought Becky more joy than surrounding herself with her loved ones. Her primary focus was building personal relationships with those around her. Deeply treasured, she will be forever missed by all who were blessed to know her. See AlsoPalermo: Sicily's magical city of hidden charm and personality | ABITA LLC&MARKETING JAPANTHE 10 BEST Other Retreats in Belgium for April 2025What we know about the victims of the New Orleans attack: 'So beautiful and full of life'
Becky was a preacher’s kid. That meant she moved a lot, at least in the early years. The family spent time in Kentucky while Ralph Peek, her father, was in seminary. Afterwards Reverand Peek had commissions in LaGrange, and later in Manchester, Georgia. Soon the Peeks moved permanently to Gainesville for Rev. Peek to complete his Ph.D. in history at the University of Florida. The family continued to live there as the newly minted Dr. Peek joined the faculty at UF and became a Professor of History. Becky was a “daddy’s girl” and adored her doting father. Becky’s mother, Ruth, worked in education as a teacher and administrator in the Gainesville school system and was known as a pillar of the community.
At a young age, Becky learned the importance of resilience from her parents. This, along with kindness, openness of heart and respect for others, were values she would carry with her throughout her life. The family had struggles, as all families do, but the confidence that things would get better if one soldiered on and persevered were ingrained in Becky. This belief sustained her through difficult times. In a word, Becky was a survivor, who successfully navigated many changes and challenges in her life. Growing up, Becky was a fiery, fiercely loyal friend and sister. She was raised in the family home alongside her two brothers, Roger and Alan. One of Becky’s fondest childhood memories was of adopting the family dog, Nipper. She found great happiness in caring for dogs and cats of all stripes, fostering her deep love for animals. Though not a rebellious teenager, she could find her way into her share of mischief, so much so her mother was known to say, “you never know what that Becky will get into.” Becky attended Gainesville High School, where she was a friend to many and proud to be a majorette in the marching band. She graduated from GHS in 1968, eager to see what the future held.
Of all the things Becky loved in life, she cherished her family above all else. She met a young man named David Moore at church in Gainesville, and the two married in 1969. Becky was overjoyed to become a mother to her two sons, Blaine and Stephen. She thrived in her role as a mother, and she poured her heart and soul into caring for her home and her boys. She was a fierce advocate for her kids, and God help anyone who wronged them. Once, when dissatisfied with the decisions of a certain baseball coach who wasn’t letting her son try out for the pitching position, Becky stormed up to the coach after practice demanding he give her boy the chance to prove he could earn a spot. The coach, seeing how intent she was (and, probably a bit afraid of her!) relented and allowed him to try pitching at the next practice. He did well and was able to join the pitching rotation. None of that would be possible without mom’s fierce advocacy. Later in life, Becky was fortunate to once again find love with Gary Fitchlee, a local business owner in Gainesville. The two enjoyed a fun-filled life together that eventually took them to Asheville, North Carolina. After Gary’s untimely passing in 2008, Becky moved back to Florida for a time before making the courageous choice to leave Florida in her early 60s and move to Michigan. She started her life over and, before long, built a new, loving community in her adopted state. It was there she met and fell in love with Doug Thomsen. Becky and Doug married and stepped into a new, comfortable life together. Their marriage would last until Doug passed away in 2016. Becky was grateful for the happy years they were able to share.
Blaine and Stephen were her pride and joy, at least until her grandchildren came along! Becky was thrilled to become a grandmother to her beloved Nikolas, Cora, and Victor. She adored her grandkids and doted on them whenever she could, spoiling them with fun activities. She took them to the movies, played with them in the yard, took all three grandkids to Gull Meadows farm in Richland, MI, proudly participated in all their school activities and programs. She especially loved to watch them play soccer, baseball and ice skate. And she always gave them candy, whenever and as often as they wanted! Over the years, Becky found work in a variety of fields. She considered her primary job to be as a homemaker, but she worked outside the house as well. In her younger years, Becky was an aerobics instructor and a Mary Kay salesperson. In mid-life, she worked at the University of Florida Foundation as an administrative assistant. Most recently, Becky handled administrative work for Holtyn and Associates in Kalamazoo.
Never one to sit still for long, Becky pursued many hobbies to stay busy in her free time. She had a green thumb and loved gardening. Her plants and flowers were always beautiful. If anyone needed help rescuing a plant, Becky had the magic touch. Becky loved all kinds of music, and she gathered an extensive collection of CDs over the years. She always had music playing in her home, particularly while relaxing with a glass of wine on her patio. Becky had a lifelong love for animals, and she adopted many pets, including her dog, Gracie. She liked dancing, and she was an avid fan of the Gators and all University of Florida sports teams. Becky was well known for her cornbread dressing and her cozy, inviting home. She attracted people to her outgoing, friendly nature wherever she went.
When reflecting on the life of Rebecca Thomsen, it is easy to see both her unwavering perseverance and her unconditional love for her family. She faced every challenge that came her way with fierce determination, and she went above and beyond to care for others. Becky was a friend to many and beloved by all. Her generosity of heart allowed her to impact the lives of countless others for the better. Passing this trait on to her sons and grandchildren is undoubtedly her greatest accomplishment. Though she will be dearly missed, Becky leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.
Rebecca Peek Thomsen passed away at the Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan on December 28, 2024. She died from complications related to pneumonia. Becky was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Ruth Peek, and her brothers, Alan Peek and Roger Peek. Surviving is her son Blaine (Andreea) Moore and their children Cora and Victor, her son Stephen Moore and his son Nikolas. A party celebrating Becky’s life will take place in Kalamazoo, Michigan, over Memorial Day weekend 2025 (details to follow). In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Kalamazoo Animal Rescue would be appreciated. Celebrate Becky’s life online by sharing your favorite photos and stories on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.
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