Rebecca Colleen Badger

Trent Woods, North Carolina –Rebecca Harris Badger (Honey to her grandchildren), 67, passed away with her family at her side on July 14. Becky was born in Washington, NC on March 10, 1954, the daughter of William and Colleen Harris. She attended New Bern High School and East Carolina University and had a career in advertising before raising three children. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

Foremost for her family, she always told her kids: “Your brothers and sister will be the best friends you ever have” and they lean on each other now. Abundantly artistic (often abstractly), her works imitated her life: Sculptures of her children crown many mantles, outnumbered only by the bright, pastel watercolors depicting family dogs, making direct eye contact as you turn hallways. Grounded and green-thumbed, she enjoyed gardening, nurturing plants of paradise in the backyard, as family and friends continue to enjoy the literal fruits (and veggies) of her labor. An accomplished angler, she gave us fish many days. She taught her children to fish for themselves, giving us fish for a lifetime. She led us beside still waters, enjoying the beach and the rivers near home. Cosmically centered, she was known to balance eggs on their ends during each and every equinox, seasonally on the Solstices.

Becky was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Alexander Stronach Badger, Jr. and her children, Rebecca Badger O’Neill of Raleigh (Brian), Alexander Stronach Badger III of New Bern (Caitlin) and Charles Howard Badger of New Bern; her brother, Willliam Harris, Jr. of Chicago and his children Barrett and Austin; her grandchildren, Ava and Lily O’Neill of Raleigh, Anders and Audrey Badger of New Bern, as well as her beloved dogs Mocha and Scallywag.

There will be a private family gathering on Monday, July 19 followed by a celebration of her life at the Eastern Carolina Yacht Club from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Colonial Capital Humane Society, New Bern, NC.

Arrangements are in the care of Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.