Rebecca Wiseman Quertinmont

Monday's Child, A Poem

Monday's child is fair of face.

Tuesday's child is full of grace.

Wednesday's child is full of woe.

Thursday's child has far to go.

Friday's child is loving and giving.

Saturday's child works hard for a living.

A child born on the Sabbath Day is fair and wise and good and gay.

Becky was born on a chilly but bright Thursday morning, November 7, 1974. She was our Thursday child with far to go, blessed with abilities and talents which would carry her far along in a successful life, filled with accomplishments, success, and joy. She was welcomed into a loving family and was an adored daughter to Paul and Toni, and an amazing sister to Eric, Danny, and Megan.

Becky's early years were spent close to the ground, picking up objects, examining them, and putting interesting and unique items in her pockets, to be examined more intently later. She learned at an early age to be a keen observer of the world around her, always curious, always wanting to experience new adventures and learn as much as she could along the way.

Some things she tried and quickly knew they were not for her. She took dance lessons for maybe 10 minutes and knew dance was definitely not for her. Too much frilliness and foo-foo. But later as a young adult she decided not all dance was bad and she enjoyed swing dance and country line dancing.

She was a good athlete, swimming, playing basketball, skiing, water skiing, and learning golf. Although good at whatever she tried, sports did not hold her interest for very long. She was, however, a devoted fan of the Utah Jazz, especially Mark Eaton and Karl Malone.

Along with curiosity and keen intellect, she possessed an incredible ability to memorize. She put that talent to good use as she got older. Along with being an excellent student and scholar, she studied piano for several years and was told by her piano teacher that she was one of the best sight readers the teacher had ever seen. Alas, to her parents' chagrin and disappointment, she grew tired of piano and moved on to other interests. She also gave the trumpet a whirl but quickly gave that up too. Although she no longer played piano, or trumpet, she continued to love listening to music, especially the Beatles and most country music.

After graduating from Olympus High School, she started college at Brigham Young University, which lasted for about 10 minutes. It did not take her long to realize the University of Utah was a better fit.

Early on in her college career, she found an interest that captured her heart and mind, the study of human anatomy. A good part of her college years was spent in the anatomy lab at the University of Utah. After completing her own course in anatomy, she became a Teaching Assistant there, under the tutelage of Professor Mark Nielson. Because she loved studying and teaching so much, she continued as a TA for several years and she was loved by the students she taught. An excellent and awesome teacher, she later taught anatomy at the Utah College of Massage Therapy.

She graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Biology and later added a BS in Nursing from Western Governors University. She completed much of the course work for her nursing degree while expecting her twins and continued studying while in the hospital awaiting their arrival. As a nurse, she enjoyed her work at the University Neuropsychiatric Institute at the University of Utah and later at various locations in Texas and Colorado, including Clinical Coordinator at Providence Memorial Hospital in El Paso, Texas.

One love that was a constant throughout Becky's life was the love of animals. She was born with empathy and love for creatures of all kinds, especially for creatures faced with challenges. As a vet tech at Sugarhouse Veterinary Clinic, Becky brought home many of the imperfect critters who were no longer wanted. Becky nurtured them, loved them, and cared for them.

Becky was a jokester, possessed a keen sense of humor and quick wit, was a lover of fun and adventure, enjoyed arguing just for the sake of arguing and was so good at it, most gave up and let her win.

One of Becky's greatest gifts was her ability to listen, which she did with understanding, patience, and empathy. She was always grateful, and never received anything without showing gratitude and saying thank you. She was always grateful, kind, and loving.

For the past 10 years, Becky has lived away from Utah, moving with her husband, Josh, as he served in the U.S. Army. Becky and Josh lived in El Paso and San Antonio, Texas and Colorado Springs, Colorado, while Josh completed his military training and became a Physician's Assistant. They both longed to be back in Utah, close to family, and recently settled in Kaysville, Utah.

Becky's true calling came later in life than most. She became a mother at the age of 42. If any calling was the perfect fit for Becky, it was motherhood. What an incredible, loving, devoted mother she was to her three beautiful children. She, along with her sweetheart and husband, Josh, fiercely loved and adored their three kiddos. She was well-suited to give special and tender care to their son, Owen, who is a special, handsome, loving little guy, so, so adored and treasured by both Becky and Josh, and also tender loving care to Olivia and Wyatt.

On the morning of March 9, 2023, Becky was given a devastating diagnosis of Stage IV lung cancer. Being a registered nurse, she knew she was in for a fierce battle. In characteristic Becky-style, she was ready to face this challenge. For the next short thirty days, she fought with courage and tenacity to stay on this earth for her husband and children. After a painful but valiant fight, she passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday April 9, 2023, surrounded by loved ones.

Rebecca Wiseman was born November 7, 1974, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Paul Eugene Wiseman and Antoinette (Toni) Miller. She was a beloved sister to Eric, Dan (Alisa), and Megan. Her parents and siblings survive her.

She married Niels Clark in 2000. Later divorced.

She married Joshua Martin Quertinmont on October 1, 2013. Josh survives her, as do her three adored children Olivia Marie, Owen Martin, and Wyatt James Quertinmont.

Becky is also loved and survived by her mother-in-law Diana Quertinmont and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Also, survived by sisters-in-law Season Low (Kent), Crystal Coleman (Kent), brother-in-law Mike Quertinmont (Brook).

She was preceded in death by father-in-law Mike Quertinmont, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who are rejoicing with her as she is welcomed home.

You have traveled far and accomplished much, our dear Becky, having brought much joy, love, laughter, and warmth to all those who knew you.

The family would like to express thanks to the many individuals who surrounded Becky during this difficult time. We especially are grateful for the compassionate, capable, caring nurses, doctors, and other caregivers who cried along with us as Becky faced these last difficult days. 

Funeral services for Becky will be held at 12:00 Noon on Monday, April 17, 2023 at the East Millcreek 9th Ward Chapel, 3750 South Hillside Lane*. A viewing will be held the night before, Sunday, April 16, 2023 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, Millcreek, Utah, and again at the church on Monday from 10:30AM until 11:30AM. Interment will be in Wasatch Lawn Memorial Gardens.

*Access from 3900 South on Hillside Lane is blocked due to construction. The best approach would be from 2700 East and Craig Drive, which is 3640 South. Go west on Craig Drive to Hillside Lane and turn South and you will find the chapel at 3750 South Hillside Lane.