Mary McGrath and Ferdinand Becker were married 1n 1877. They became the parents of 12 children. After Ferdinand's retirement, they lived out their lives peacefully in their comfortable home on East Court Street, purchased for them by their son, Jap Becker. Family members visited frequently. Sunday morning after Mass was a popular time to come by, as if a party was going on, with many adults laughing and talking inside and children of all ages running and playing outside. Following the death of her husband, Mary remained her sweet, serene self, continually entertained by the affairs of her 43 grandchildren. They told her of their high school exploits, college plans, marriages and births, and a multiplying choice of careers. She would usually be found sitting in her wicker rocker, with the right hand pocket holding her knitting and the left one filled with detective stories. The bridge table was often set up and many grandchildren learned their first rudiments of the game sitting in with their "Mamee" and other adult players. Mary and her sisters, Maggie McGrath Moodie, Josie McGrath Storm, and Katie McGrath Johnson remained close through the years sharing family news and stories. Mary's long and fruitful life came to an end in 1951. The Beckers were admired by their many descendants for their indomitable spirits, their warmth and love and unselfishness, their sense of family loyalty and their strong faith in God. The Irish love of story telling and the French spirit of joie de vivre combined to bless their family with a special, precious gift.

(Source: The above biography material was written by Adine Becker Hill, for the 1994 Becker Family Reunion; contributed to this memorial by Bettie Hatcher Cox)