Nancy Becker

Nancy Becker, 73, of Center Valley, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

Born to Robert and Barbara (Poe) Inman, Nancy spent her childhood among family and friends in Bronxville, NY, a place that would remain special to her for the rest of her life. After completing her studies at Lasell College in Newton, MA, Nancy was married to Bruce Becker in a union that would last for 46 years until Bruce's passing in March of 2021. The couple would live in many places during their time together, and would travel to many more, with the majority spent in Bethlehem and Center Valley.

Nancy would make transformative contributions not only to the lives of her children and extended family but also to the community more broadly. A lifelong learner, Nancy completed her Bachelors of Education at Kutztown University and spent her entire career gaining new certifications and skills. A lifelong teacher, Nancy taught special education, life skills, and English as a Second Language in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Texas. Even after her retirement, Nancy continued to volunteer her time as an instructor at the Literacy Center in Allentown and, with her brother, to explore family history and heritage. In addition, she was a stalwart member of the Southern Lehigh Democrats and a regular contributor to any number of organizations and causes. She extended these commitments through her longtime associations with the Unitarian Universalist and First Presbyterian churches of Bethlehem.

Nancy's friends and family will, of course, remember her kindness and compassion, but they will just as admiringly remember her toughness and determination. Faced with widowhood and a challenging medical diagnosis, Nancy made the most of her remaining years. Everyone from close friends to doctors would marvel at how she spent her time as she lived with an illness and treatment regimen that would've seemed to make such things impossible. Given roughly a year to live, Nancy spent the next six years playing golf, playing tennis, traveling, volunteering, and socializing. To the end, she was checking in on her friends and making travel plans. When learning of her passing, friends, even close friends, overwhelmingly responded, "I had no idea," a testament to what a force of nature she was.

Nancy is survived by her children, Brian and Gretchen Becker; her brother, Douglas (Poe) Ryan; her niece Marie (Ryan) Chestnut; as well as many friends, former students, and neighbors who will cherish her memory.

Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Nisky Hill Cemetery, 254 E Church St, Bethlehem, PA 18018. A live zoom link will also be available at the time of the service online at www.connellfuneral.com. A reception will follow at 12:00 p.m. at Sayre Mansion. Arrangements have been entrusted to Connell Funeral Home, Inc., Bethlehem. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (www.cholangiocarcinoma.org) in Nancy's honor.

Condolences may be offered online at www.connellfuneral.com.