Becky J. Coit
Passed 06/17/2008
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Obituary For Becky J. Coit
Becky J. (Stevens) Coit, 70 of Amherst, VA formerly of Rockland, MA died Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at her residence. She was the widow of Leo P. Coit.
She was born in Plympton, on Aug. 18, 1937, daughter of the late Melvin H. and Lois A. (Dean) Stevens and was raised and educated on the South Shore. Although her schooling was interrupted, she was very proud that she graduated with a full high school diploma from Rockland High School in 1989.
Her career was as a hairdresser, working with several shops in the Rockland. She worked at His 'n' Hers Hair Design for 18 years until her retirement in 2003. Her customers loved her as she did them, maintaining friendships after she relocated to Amherst, VA.
She is survived by her three children, Leonard Newcomb of Springfield, VT, Robin DeMeo of Rockland, MA, and Nanci McLellan of Amherst, VA, as well as her grandchildren, Steven Newcomb, Christopher Newcomb, Renee' DeMeo, Marino DeMeo, Kristinna McLellan, and Rebekkah McLellan, one great?grandchild, Malik Newcomb, her step children Richard Coit of Halifax, Mary Provonche of Pembroke, Diane Simpson of Carver, Patty Chandler of Plymouth, and the late Christine Luce. Also surviving are her mother, Lois A. Stevens of Lynchburg, VA, one sister, Nancy Corkum of Woodstock, VT, and three brothers, Robert Stevens Canton, NC, Melvin (Meb) Stevens, Jr. of Middletown, VA, and Richard (Dick) Stevens, of Amherst, VA, her former husband, Raymond Newcomb and her best friends Faith Stevens and Judy Casagrande. Becky was devoted to her family until the time of her death. After her children were grown, she devoted herself to helping others, with a special dedication to Veterans. She was a President of the Ladies' Auxiliary to Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1788 Rockland, MA. As the State Chairman for POW*MIA, Becky planned and executed over 400 candlelight ceremonies and flag raisings for POW*MIA, in the northeast states and served as coordinator and master of ceremonies for Vietnam Veterans Day for approximately 20 years. Becky has been involved in the collection and distribution to soldiers serving in Desert Shield and Storm, Bosnia, Afghanistan, the Philippines, and the Iraq War.
She was awarded the Civilian Award for Public Service in 1986 from the Department of the Army at Ft. Devens and also was awarded a Life Membership in the Special Forces Association at Fort Bragg, NC #A-999, and the Molly Pitcher Award for outstanding service to the field artillery community. Having worked on the Abington, Rockland, and Whitman Veteran's Day events, she was selected by the Tri-Town Committee to be the first female non-veteran in history to serve as grand marshal for the parade in 1999. She also worked with the U.S. Veterans-Vietnam ERA Post 2 SSG. Richard A. Fitts Chapter as editor of their newsletter. Her unfulfilled dream was to serve in the military but she felt she had done the next best thing
Among her other interests were her involvement in many local service organizations including being a Brownie, Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader, Little League and softball coach, Sunday School teacher and a volunteer Santa Claus for local nursing homes V.A. Hospitals and homes for special needs children. Becky had also served as a member of the Rockland High School Band Boosters and was an election warden for the town of Rockland. She was a devoted auto racing fan. She loved writing poetry, people, history and reading.
Her family requests that all attending wear patriotic attire to her calling hours in the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home 135 Union St. ROCKLAND on Friday June 27, from 5-8 PM. A funeral service honoring her patriotic spirit was held on Saturday June 28th at the funeral home at 12:00 noon. Burial will be at the Bourne National Cemetery, on her birthday, August 18th at 11:30 AM.. Donations may be made to the Virginia Independent Farmers and Consumers Association, P.O. Box 915, Charlottesville, VA 22903 or the USV-VE POST 2 SSG. Richard A. Fitts Scholarship Fund, c/o USV VE Post 2 P.O. Box 2171, Abington, MA 02351.
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Condolences
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05/25/2021
Libby Williamson Green
My deepest sympathies to all of Becky's family and friends. I knew who "Becky Coit" was for a long time, the van with the stickers and banners. She supported every cause veterans, pow mia's, and the list goes on, a real patriot! Then I actual met her through my husband Roy, he just adored her, she helped him through some tough times as she did many, many others. She always had a great big smile and her laugh was contagious, and she gave good hugs. She really cared about us and our family, even when we moved here to KS. Roy wouldn't let anyone else do his hair, no matter how much time in between seeing Becky. (boy did it grow fast). Becky is going to be missed by many. She loved life to the fullest, and did all she could for everyone she knew. I am sure there are more like her in the world, but I haven't met one yet! She is an inspiration to do our best to love and help everyone! GOD BLESS! In my heart always! Love Libby Williamson Green
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05/25/2021
LORI NOYES
BECKY, I WENT TO YOUR MEMORIAL FRIDAY NIGHT, AND I WAS SO MOVED BY WHAT YOUR FAMILY DID, YOU WOULD HAVE LOVED IT PATSY CLINE AND ELVIS PLAYING AS THE PICTURES OF YOUR LIFE WHERE DISPLAYED EVERYWHERE, ALL THE MEMORABLILIA THAT YOU COLLECTED THROUGH THE YEARS, I HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH A TRIBUTE, WAS A LEGACY YOU HAVE LEFT IN THIS WORLD, I AM SO GLAD TO HAVE BEEN A PART OF SUCH A WONDERFUL AND OUSTANDING HUMAN BEING AS YOU, I WILL CHERISH YOUR MEMORY ALWAYS, LOVE YA THE WHOLE WORLD. LORI NOYES(HEWETT)
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05/25/2021
Kathy OKeefe
Even though Becky wouldn't think she deserved any tribute, she did. Saturdays service was as meaningful and emotional as any candlelight vigil that she did in the past. My truly great friend will be missed by all her friends at His and Hers Hair Design, but none more than me. I will keep a candle lit for you until all "your guys" come home.
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05/25/2021
mike chorzewski
wow to read through this guestbook i am in awe.Robin i am so sorry and sad to hear about your mom.she always had a smile.she was a great person with a great heart.now she lives on in you and your family.my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours love mike c
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05/25/2021
Joan Hooker
The tribute to becky was without a doubt, the most moving, emotional experience anyone knowing her could possibly experience. Everyone involved with the planning of this event in memory of Becky, should be commended for having done so with such dignity and respect. On Veterans Day when Veterans pass by in a parade,I applaude them and thank them for what they did. I do so with tears in my eyes, knowing what a great sacrifice they made for the very freedom I have to stand and honor them. Today however, instilled yet further my respect for these Veterans who not only served their country to protect our freedom, but still continue to serve by honoring those who supported, with gratitude their efforts. Thank you, all of you,.., for this lovely tribute to a beautiful person who would certainly have shied away from all the fanfare, but now must feel quite honored.
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05/25/2021
Linda Roberts and John Davidson
God?s speed to a fine American lady. You will be missed.
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05/25/2021
Nanni D.
There aren't enough words to describe Becky. You couldn't have had more patriot in you after just half hour of talking to her, she was an inspiration.Thank you for all you gave me, besides perms. Sadly will miss you,Nanni D.
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05/25/2021
Michelle Fitts
I am going to miss Nana Becky. Growing up around the cause she so much cared about, it was amazing to see what she could do. She was an amazing woman and could make things happen. I believe what she did is the reason my uncle's post exists today. I carry great pride in knowing Nana Becky and will work to instill in my children everyday the patriotic message that she carried with her. My grandmother is very upset of the lose of her best friend and sends you her Love. She was a Great Friend to her and will be greatly missed. To Robin and Nancy, if you guys need anything please get in touch!! We Loved your Mother. My closing is she finally gets to meet the man that she represented for years. I bet Richard Fitts was waiting at the gate with open arms. With Love: The Fitts Family
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05/25/2021
Dick DelRossi
I first met Becky, at the Topsfield Fair; she was standing behind the POW/MIA booth. I?ll never forget that day I was wearing a POW/MIA bracelet, she said she could check the name to see if he had been found, to my surprise the soldier had been found. I bought a new one from her, and that started a long friendship. I couldn?t believe the drive and dedication that this lady for the Veterans of this country. I worked the Topsfield Fair with Becky, the booth at Marshfield Fair, stood Vigil in Washington DC with her , through the years we had gone our separate ways, but if you need her she would be there, The Vietnam Moving Wall came to my town in the late 90s, Becky had just about stopped setting up her tent at these events, but once I called her and told her we would not go on with the event, unless Becky was there to talk to the Vets and help them through their pain, she set up and stayed all week ,that was the kind of person she was. When ever I attend a POW/MIA event I will look around , cause I?m sure Becky Coit will be there. Take care dear friend.
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05/25/2021
LORI NOYES
DEAR BECKY, I HAVE SO MANY WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF YOU GROWING UP, I WAS ALWAYS OVER THE HOUSE I REMEMBER LEO SITTING AT THE TABLE WITH A CIGARETTE AND YOU ALWAYS MAKING US LAUGH, THE ELVIS BUST AND PATSY CLINE PLAYING, YOU WHERE SUCH A PART OF MY CHILDHOOD GROWING UP I LEARNED SO MUCH AT YOUR HOUSE, YOU TAUGHT ME ALOT OF LIFE'S LESSONS, I AM SO GLAD I GOT TO TALK TO YOU AT ROBINS BIRTHDAY MONTHS AGO, I WILL CHEERISH YOUR MEMORY ALWAYS YOU WILL ALWAYS BE ONE OF THE SPECIAL PEOPLE IN MY LIFE THAT I WILL LOVE FOREVER. THANKS FOR ALL YOU DID FOR OUR WONDERFUL SERVICEMEN AND WOMAN . THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER BECKY COIT. LOVE ALWAYS LORI NOYES(HEWETT)
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05/25/2021
Barbara Cifelli
Robin I was so sorry to read about your mother.It has been so long since I seen you please get in touch with me.
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05/25/2021
Art & Clare Machado
Becky was truly a great person, she cared very much for others, she was a patriot amid us. Fun to know and a great hair dresser. Becky was a special one-of-a-kind person. Thankful that you passed our way on your journey.
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05/25/2021
TheTaylors from Abington, MA
To Becky's Family: I wish I could say that I knew Becky very well, I am sorry to say, I didn't. I knew her lightly but always admired her dedication and her sincerity; I should have taken the time to really get to know her, sadly I didn?t, it is my loss. Becky has left this world because she was needed elsewhere. She just went to organize the next army of fighters for a better world. She was truly a Patriot who believed in our Country completely. Will miss you Becky! Deane and Maria
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05/25/2021
Greg White
I am going to miss you cousin Beccah. She liked that pronunciation of her name especially when Grams (Clara) said it to her. I wish she could still cut my hair. She was a help to Mom when Dad died (Lanny) with the military questions. I loved sitting in her yard in Va. talking and watching the trains roll by on the tracks. She won't be forgotten.
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05/25/2021
Judy Casagrande
How do I put into words the deep sorrow and loss I feel. The only way for me too is through the many memories that I have of "Ma Newks". The first memory is that you took me in and treated me as one of your own children during my inner struggles after High School. Confused as to who I was and where in life I was going, you helped me to accept who I am and to always be the best you can no matter what others may think. You showed me love and affection and that family is what matters most. I remember all the softball games, parties, gatherings and fun and laughter that we always shared. And even as we grew older and life was passing us by everyday, we stayed in touch. You were like a second mom to me and although my heart is hurting now I know that you are in heaven looking down on us and helping to guide us through this difficult time. I love you and miss you and will always keep you close to my heart.
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05/25/2021
MICHAEL DEMEO
MA OVER THE YEARS WE HAVEN'T TALKED MUCH WITH ME IN FLORIDA AND YOU IN VA.BUT IAM GLAD WE TALKED ON MOTHERS DAY THIS YEAR ILL ALWAYS REMEMMBER YOU AS LONG AS THERE BUMPER STICKERS ON CARS, I NEVER TOLD YOU THANK YOU FOR TAKING ME HOME TO MEET ROBIN MAYBE KNOW YOU CAN HELP VJ PLAY GOLF BETTER LOVE YOU ALWAYS MICK
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05/25/2021
Bill Coombs
Becky was unique. She spent many hours purchasing and packing CARE packages for our deployed troops. She will not be forgotten. Bill Coombs, Waltham, MA
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05/25/2021
Carrie Bendickson
I was related to Becky only through marriage but throughout her life she brought everyone joy and love. I only confess that I was not closer during the last years of her life. She will be missed greatly by all. My love to her family and may you all find comfort in this time of sorrow.
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05/25/2021
Steve Waterman
Becky was always there for the Veterans and took great pride in being an American who stood up for the honor of those who served their country. She will be missed.
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05/25/2021
Larry Bailey
Becky was a trooper. I met her several years ago when I visited Rockland to expose a phony military hero. She was my guide around the area and the supervisor of my efforts. The veterans of our country will miss her greatly, I among them. What a patriot!
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05/25/2021
Renee REBECCA
Nana, I miss you more than you ever will know. You ARE my best friend, my confidante, my HERO.I am PROUD to have your name and your blood running thru my veins. I cherish our memories deeply. I can not wait till the day we meet again! Love Forever and Always Renee'Rebecca DeMeo (who fell in a box of Tomatoes)
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05/25/2021
Joan Hooker
Becky..., a legend wise beyond her years with a heart big enough to have loved everyone! Patriotic to the fullest extent, reaching out to veterans, families of P.O.W.'s, M.I.A.'s and those now protecting our country. She was moved to tears when she heard the National Anthem. Although she wasn't active in church, I do know she believd in God as she always asked, "God,...Bless America", "and the troops". Thank you God for blessing us with the priviledge of knowing Becky. You must have a very important mission for her to have taken her so soon. I guess You knew she already accomplished far more than You might have expected her to in this life. Her's was a life well lived and the wisdom she took from her life experiences, she shared with us, having an influence that will always remain with us. Thank you "beckygirl", it is an honor to carry you in my heart, and I still for the warm memories I have! (Thank you too, Becky for honoring me by naming your chicken after me! No one ever did that before! Only you "Beckygirl, only you!
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05/25/2021
Doug Gingras (the mis-placed one in Chicago...)
Good night my dear. There are no real words that can be put to paper the feelings we all share, knowing your are gone from the hearts you have touched. You touched mine from the time we met, though years and miles separate. A look, a laugh,a nod,a knowing glance, and yes even a frown, is all was needed to let us (kids) know we were loved and accepted.I can only hope I've passed a little of that on to my family and others. God Bless you "Ma". My tears are only for those that are left behind, but also for knowing those that love you and will be with you again in theyr'e own time. Love Doug
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05/25/2021
Linda A Andrews
Though I am far away, my heart reaches out to her children, granchildren, brothers and sister. My cousin Bekka was such a warm, loving and giving person. She will surely be missed by those who loved her dearly. Please know I'm there with all of you, not in person but in your hearts. Love Cousin (Aunty)Linda
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05/25/2021
Cynda Childs
Becky was a wonderful woman and won the heart of my family. She always helped others especially her boys the Veit Nam veterans. MY husband and I traveled with her, and the vets to Washington to see the wall. It was an experience that I will never forget. She was a great friend. Sincerely and God Bless you all. Cynda Childs
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05/25/2021
Peg, Cory, Brandan
How do we count the lives SHE touched, the light SHE shed for years? How do we know the difference SHE made, when you are looking thru your tears? How do we know the things that are, that never might have been? Without HER valiant heart that dared to FIGHT and FIGHT again? How did HER spirit soar beyond the suffering and the scars, to live with one hand clutching hope and the other on the stars? WE all know the answers to these questions, because she was our "MOM".. Rest in Peace, You served your Country and your family well! God Bless "WE" love you "MA" and you will live on in our hearts always...
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05/25/2021
wayne & Sue Jackson
Although Becky and I (us) had not talked to each other in a while, my thoughts were always with her. She truely was a great person and wonderful friend who will be surely missed. Our love and prayers go out to all of her friends and family during this time of sorrow. Wayne & Sue Jackson Rockland, MA.
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