Henrietta “Becky” Franco (Barker), 87, passed away quietly March 5, 2007 at her home on Maxwelton Beach.

Born on Whidbey Island on Aug. 24, 1919, to Island homesteaders Peter and Gertrude Becker on their family farm above Bayview, she was the youngest of seven children and the last of her generation.

She graduated from Langley High School in 1937 where she was captain of the basketball team and editor of the school paper. She tells the story of her older sisters having to “hitch up” the wagon and go to Langley for supplies; it was an all-day job. Grandma (Gertrude), they say, shot a bear that was after the chickens. Grandpa (Peter) was famous for his team of horses. He helped clear the Bayview Cemetery, where they rest today. They all spent time in the woods, all spent time working hard, and enjoying family.

After school she worked for H.B. Johnston at the Bayview Cash Store. Becky and her niece/sister, Kay Siemers Kramer, left the Island in 1938 for Seattle. Becky worked at The Bon and Kay worked at Bartell Drugs. Becky was introduced to her future husband, Jose, while working in Seattle, and they were married in 1941 in what looked like an elopement to Coure d’Alene, Idaho.

They spent the next few years traveling the world and started a family in 1947. They spent the remainder of their years in Seattle and enjoyed retirement together since 1982.

Dad retired from SeaLand in 1982 as the master of the “Summit.” He held an unlimited master and SE/SW Alaska pilot’s license, not bad for a kid from Seattle who first went to sea in 1937 with Howard Bronson, of Ballard. Dad was the last of the old timers who steered by the stars.

Becky was an avid bridge player and worked hard on her master’s points. Known as a great cook, she was famous for her pies. With Joe’s travels at sea, Becky’s life was centered on raising her children, and they spent every summer at Maxwelton Beach. She taught her children to water ski, hunt deer, fish, enjoy family, friends and life.

She was preceded in death by her two brothers, Fred and Henry, and four sisters, Gert, Anna, Mary and Clara; and her husband of 65 years, Jose. Becky is survived by her two sons, Ken (Skip) and Craig; three grandchildren, Emily, Ian and Maddie; five great-grandchildren, Kris, Peter, Stuart, Claire and Amy.

Interment is at Bayview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to your local hospice.

A Celebration of Life for Becky and Jose will be held at noon Sunday, July 1, at the beach cabin on Maxwelton.