Obituary

Rebecca (Becky) Marie Workman

Rebecca (Becky) Marie Workman, 69, of Irvine, California, passed away of natural causes in Irvine, California on Tuesday evening (7:00 pm), September 12.

She was born on August 4, 1954 in Arcadia, WI, to Anthony (Tony) and Marjorie (Marge) Zittel. Rebecca graduated from Cotter High School, Winona, MN in 1972 with many honors. In the fall of 1972 she enrolled in the nursing program at St. Teresa’s College in Winona, MN. She met her husband-to-be on the evening of March 3, 1973 at St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN. The couple were engaged on August 4, 1973, and after a wonderful romantic courting, were married on August 3, 1974 at Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona. Becky graduated as a licensed practical nurse on June 11, 1975 (from what is now Minnesota State College, Southeast) and was licensed by the Minnesota Board of Nursing on September 18, 1975. She was on the nursing staff at Saint Anne’s, and Sauer Memorial Home in Winona; and also on staff at facilities in Mankato, MN. She retired from nursing in 1984 to become a full-time Mom and homemaker (this was her heart’s desire).

Becky was very active in her children’s lives—their school activities, parent and student groups, shuttling them to try-outs, games, lessons, and social activities—and cooking and baking with them and for them at home. She loved spending time with her family and just sharing days and events each night around the special dinner table as each of the children would “share their day.” In her many travels with her family, she loved to visit interesting historical places, beaches, antique shops, tea restaurants, and romantic hideaway inns. She loved to cook and bake and celebrate birthdays and holidays with her family, friends, and guests. She particularly loved Christmas and was known for keeping a Christmas tree lit all year long. She was very fond of roses, daisies and hummingbirds. She so loved visiting with her children and grandchildren and giving big hugs and kisses and treats. She also loved visits to Cape Cod; Door County, WI; Boston, New York City; and Southern California, where the ocean breeze and lots of sunshine were her delight.

Rebecca was a very active member of many ministries and churches with her husband over her years, including Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, MN; St. John’s Catholic Church in Mankato, MN; Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Newburgh, NY; Cornwall Baptist Church, Cornwall, NY; People’s Baptist Church, Frederick, MD; Wilton Baptist Church, Wilton, CT; Christ the Rock Church, Appleton, WI; Park Street Church, Boston, MA; Lake City Church, Madison, WI; Angeles Temple and LA Dream Center, Los Angeles, CA; OC Remnant Church, San Juan Capistrano, CA; New Hope Community Church, Newtown, CT; Gateway Christian Fellowship, New Haven, CT; and Reign Christian Fellowship, San Juan Capistrano, CA, where she was ordained as a Pastor on Pentecost Sunday, May 31, 2020. She particularly loved spending time fellowshipping and having meals with family and friends; studying her Bible and completing Bible learning courses, listening to and singing worship and praise music, praying with people, ministering on the street, teaching and counseling, and going door-to-door to offer help.

Rebecca (Becky) is lovingly survived by her husband Dr. Jerome (Jerry) Workman; and her children: Cristina (Brian) Runkles; Stephannie (Nelo) Workman; Daniel (Jessica) Workman; Sara Workman; and Michael (Daniela) Workman; and 11 grandchildren: Bryson and Ridgely Runkles;  Alexandria, Jake, and Jordan Ribeiro;  Elijah, Eliana, and Gloriana Workman; Elliott Mejia; and Valentina and Judah Workman.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be sent to Reign Christian Fellowship,
32261 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675.

Visitation will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, September 30. A future memorial and burial service is being planned for 2024 at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Winona, Minnesota.  

Becky’s family would like to thank the Hoag Hospital CCU staff for the wonderful and thoughtful care Becky received and for making her as comfortable as possible on her journey home.