Libby Becker

MIDDLETON – Mary Elizabeth “Libby” Becker, aged 68, of Middleton, passed away on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at home surrounded by family after a short battle with liver cancer. Libby was born on September 10, 1953, in Springfield, Illinois to Mary Elizabeth “Molly” McLain and Charles Fulton Becker. As a child in Springfield, Libby enjoyed playing in the woods and stream behind their house and riding horses both in town and in the country, with her best friend Janet. Libby attended Christ the King grade school, Grant Junior High, Springfield High School, all in Springfield, and then Kent Academy in Denver. She graduated from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois with a degree in History. Libby moved to Madison in 1975 and has lived in this area since. She worked in Madison for American Family Insurance and WILMIC, and also as a consultant. Libby had a keen mind and loved puzzles. She did the crossword puzzle every week, allowed herself three sudokus with her coffee in the morning and was an avid reader of fiction and nonfiction. Her hobbies were gardening, jewelry making and knitting. Her family and friends received many fine gifts of jewelry, hats, shawls and blankets for dogs and humans alike. Libby cherished the relationships she developed with the women in her knitting group, which has met weekly for many years. Libby was a passionate environmentalist and felt a kinship with the earth and its plants and creatures from an early age. In addition to the beautiful and productive gardens she nurtured, and her commitment to locally sourced and organic food, she was an avid bird and rodent watcher. The family is incredibly grateful for all of Libby’s friends that came and supported her in her final weeks. One friend observed that Libby did not have shallow friendships. Libby felt her connections deeply and was loved deeply in return. Libby is survived by her husband, Charles “Charlie” Pugh; daughter, Kathleen “Katie” Wylie; stepdaughters, Alisa Leamy (husband Jeff) and Mary “Molly” Carney; granddaughter, Isla Leamy; brothers, Bruce Becker (wife Patty) and Charles Rett Becker (partner Diane); nephew, Fulton Becker; niece, Ellie Becker; and Libby and Charlie’s dog, Maggie. She is preceded in death by her parents Mary “Molly” and Charles Becker. There will be a private burial for family and close friends at Natural Path Sanctuary on June 8, 2022. All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services of Madison is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.866allfaiths.com.