Elissa Beryl Bishop-Becker, beloved partner of the Reverend Dr. Randy Becker, died 27 April 2021, after a brief battle with cancer. She was born in New York on 20 July 1947 and grew up on Long Island. A journey through several universities (American, New School, Hofstra, Adelphi) brought her a bachelor’s degree in English from Hunter College. Her early work was in editing and writing, especially poetry.
By her own admission and delight, her greatest achievement was the birth of her daughter, Ericka Brindl Bishop in 1975. A single mother for many years, she supported and encouraged Ericka’s growth and education.
In 1992, Elissa married Randy Becker, a longtime friend to both herself and Ericka. In their married life, Elissa and Randy lived on Long Island; Williamsburg, Virginia; Park Forest, Illinois; eventually settling in Key West, Florida.
Ericka’s tragic death in 1995 by a drunk driver, at age 20 was a turning point in Elissa’s life. She entered the community counseling program of the College of William and Mary in 1997, and in 1999 graduated with highest honors, became a licensed professional counselor, and a nationally certified counselor. Her specialization was grief and loss. Her professional work has touched the lives of many and her book Loss and Growth: The Grief Spiral has received wide acceptance and use.
Her personal life, as a spiritual person and medium, opened her to spirit communication. Nearly 26 years of those afterlife communications form the foundation of a spiritual approach known as Spiritual Persistence which emphasizes the unity of all existence, the holistic nature of spirit, and the promise of essential good amid infinite potential.
Elissa is survived by her mother Hazel and a brother Richard, both of Long Island; her husband Randy; three bonus daughters: Elizabeth McCann Mackay (David); Lee Lehman-Becker (James Larsson); Suki Lucier (John), and four grandchildren.