Rebecca Ingram Souza

This is the story of Mary Rebecca “Becky” Ingram Souza, born March 14, 1947 in El Sobrante, CA. Becky was the third of seven children, having 5 brothers and 1 sister. While living in various parts of California, her fondest memories are those from her life in South Lake Tahoe. Becky graduated from South Tahoe High School in 1965 with the most honors ever bestowed upon a graduate. On August 26, 1965, 2 months following her graduation, she was involved in a severe car accident where she suffered a traumatic brain injury and was in a coma for 7 weeks. Becky lost her ability to walk, to talk, and doctors told her she wouldn’t be able to return to school for 2 years. The community raised over $5,000 to keep Becky’s dreams alive. Seven years following her accident, in 1973, she graduated from California State University Fresno with a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communications.

In 1975 while shopping in a Fresno Safeway market, Becky bumped shopping carts with Ronald Lewis Souza. It was a whirlwind engagement, with a Lake Tahoe wedding 6-months later on August 23rd. Becky worked for the State of California Unemployment office before becoming a full-time mother to 2 children, Maryann Rebecca and Paul Lewis Souza. Becky was a loyal, dedicated member of University Presbyterian Church of Fresno for over 50 years. She was a member of the church choir, a Sunday School teacher, Calvin Crest camp counselor, Treasurer, and Deacon. Over the years, she also worked as a speech communication judge for local festivals, volunteered for the American Cancer Society and the March of Dimes.

Becky loved to cook, always looking for new recipes to spice up week-night family dinners. She was well-known for her elaborate, delicious salads and holiday cranberry bread. Becky devoted herself to others and was always the first to offer help in times of need. She always looked for the positive in life, was silly, and loved to laugh. She was a huge Fresno State Football fan, following the careers of Trent Dilfer, and David and Derek Carr. She was often heard screaming in excitement while watching the games on TV. Becky was a woman strong in her convictions, tenacious, determined and always your biggest cheerleader.

Becky peacefully and gracefully left this world on December 30, 2022 in Sanger, CA. Becky is survived by her husband, Ronald Souza; sister, Sara “Beth” Miller; brothers, Scott Ingram and Theodore “Ted” Ingram; daughter, Maryann Souza; son, Paul Souza; and granddaughter Ava Garcia.

Memorial service at University Presbyterian Church in Fresno on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 10:30 am, followed by a reception.

Graveside service at Clovis Cemetery. on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 1:00 pm

The family would like to express its sincere gratitude for the kind, loving, supportive care provided by Elim Place and Infinite Heart Hospice.

Donations in Becky’s memory can be made to Elim Place Memory Care, Sanger, CA.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Souza family.