Rebecca Bernadette Postle Bliefnick
Quincy native, Rebecca Bernadette Postle Bliefnick, was murdered in her home on February 23, 2023. She was just 41 years old. Despite the circumstances of her death, she is remembered for the life she cherished—a life of compassion, generosity, faith, and fierce love for her family.
Becky was born in Quincy, IL, attending Payson Seymour Elementary School followed by Quincy Notre Dame High School, where she was named valedictorian, the first of many academic and professional honors in her lifetime. She graduated cum laude from Quincy University with a bachelor’s degree in biological science with a minor in chemistry and worked for Sanofi Aventis as one of their top-performing pharmaceutical sales representatives. But Becky always envisioned herself working hands-on in the medical profession, so it was no surprise when she left pharmaceuticals for a career in nursing—her true calling—where she was able to provide care and comfort to people on a daily basis.
Becky graduated summa cum laude from Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing and Health Sciences, as well as receiving the Faculty Outstanding Senior Award. Even more remarkably, she gave birth to her third child during spring break of her senior year, only missing one day of school. Becky worked for Quincy Medical Group in gastrointestinal surgery before transitioning to Blessing Hospital’s emergency room. During the COVID pandemic, she additionally worked as a travel nurse at both Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville, MO, and Hannibal Regional Hospital in Hannibal, MO. In 2020 Becky was nominated for the international Daisy Award, which honors exceptional care given by extraordinary nurses. The nomination testimonial stated, “I got to kiss my husband and tell him how much I loved him all because of Becky. There are no words to express how grateful I am to her for what she did.” Beyond her registered nurse (RN) credentials, she was also a certified trauma nurse specialist (TNS) and a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE). At the time of her death, she worked at Blessing Hospital in vascular access and was working toward her nurse practitioner certification.
In addition to her career, Becky always made time for service. According to members of the St. Peter’s Grade School Association where Becky volunteered for the last five years, Becky was “a tremendous asset” and “always willing to help or pitch in,” whether it was coordinating the Mother/Son event, planning the teacher conference luncheons, or coordinating the school’s room mothers. Her love of animals led her to volunteering at Homeward Bound Waggin, a non-profit, all-volunteer animal rescue group. Becky was also slated to begin volunteering in the spring at QUEST Stables, which focuses on providing therapeutic riding services.
As dedicated as she was to her professional pursuits, her most profound devotion was to her family. Her boys were her world, her life’s greatest gifts. She was the quintessential “boy mom,” aptly illustrated by building, for Halloween, Transformers costumes that actually transformed, creating custom “first day of school” posters each year, and jumping all-in with fishing and frog hunting and anything sports. Her Catholic faith was of great importance and she worked diligently to instill her love for God in her boys.
Becky’s friends and colleagues regale countless stories of how she brightened their lives, going above and beyond with her time, energy, and generosity. From dropping in to check on a friend with a migraine, to dropping off a crib to a friend in need AND staying to help assemble it, she paid it forward—small gestures with lasting impact. She always found a way to highlight the achievements of others while never demanding the spotlight, although she deserved it often. Becky loved to laugh and that laugh was contagious. Everyone that knew her remembers her random humor. She made the mundane fun. For the upcoming school Olympics, she envisioned an obstacle course ending with a Whoopee Cushion fart to stop the timer!
Becky’s beautiful life will forever be cherished by her parents, her children, her sister, brother-in-law, and nieces, and her aunts, cousins, and extended family. Becky said recently, “If the past year has reinforced any of my beliefs, it is that of the importance and value of family, and clearly I have the best one.”
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, March 3, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. in the Church of St. Peter. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Duker & Haugh.
In lieu of flowers, donations to a memorial fund to be established in Becky’s name can be made to GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/cf34b08e.
I personally did not know Becki but it saddens me to hear about her passing. To her family, you all are in my thoughts and prayers!! May God wrap His loving arms around you all and help you to deal with such a tragic loss!! Rest in peace!!
I am so sorry to hear of the tragic loss and death of Becki. We never understand the whys, but I know God will provide you with comfort in the days and weeks ahead and I pray your many wonderful memories provide you with comfort. My deepest condolences to all of you. May she rest in peace.
We send our sincere condolences to Becky’s family. She was a teenager when I met her. Always sweet and would come over talk to me, even as she grew up. We are heartsick.
Sheltered and now safe in the arms of Jesus. Our heartfelt sympathy to ALL of Becky’s family, especially her boys.
My Deepest Condolences to all of you 🙏🏾 May she in PEACE 🙇🏾♀️ AMEN ❤️
This is just unbelievable. Bill and Bernie, my most sincere condolences to you and your entire family. I will do my best to try and remember the good ole days of QND and QU Tennis as those times remind me of what a great person Becky was and how much fun she was to be around. I know this is incomprehensible right now, but we’ll all see Becky again one day, for that I am certain! Please reach out if there is anything you need.
I worked with Becky ages ago at The Abbey and like everyone else, what I remember about her is how sweet she was. She was such a bright light. I’m so very sorry.
My condolences to her boys and family. May God’s Loving arms comfort you. My Prayers for the family.
I hope they have a Nurse Honor Guard Service. She was a amazing nurse.
May God wrap his arms around you during this heartbreaking time. Please know that our prayers are with Becki, her children and your entire family. Rest in heavenly peace!
Sending prayers for Becki’s Family, may God surround you with his love and comfort you. My heart goes out to her precious children at this devastating time. I am praying for all of the Law Enforcement and those seeking justice for such a vibrant young Mother.
What a accomplished and outstanding woman and mother. We feel all she was and meant to your family and the community. We are with you and send our love and prayers for comfort. We look forward to the acts of justice for Becky. May God wrap your family in his arms. Love, The Antico Family
I worked with Becky at Blessing in the ER. She was an amazing nurse and mother. She was so kind to everyone and spoke often of her children. She was so proud of them and loved them fiercely! I am so incredibly sorry this happened to such a positive light in this dark world.
I did not know Becky. What a wonderful obituary showcasing a special woman. My heart is saddened for her family and friends. Sending prayers and love from Thibodaux, La.
She was amazing woman took after her mother and father. I knew her as a little girl, her mother raise dogs and I bought a dog from her and she help me train my dog and show my dog God be with this family there are wonderful and amazing people. Listen, hugs and prayers.
My deepest prayers to Becky’s family, especially her boys. The kindness shared in high school has obviously continued throughout her adult-life. Thankful to keep up with her from far away via Social Media. I will continue to pray for her boys. May the memories they carry, help them throughout their lives. I am sure she will be looking over them with love and adoration. Sad I am unable to make it back to Quincy for the services. Praying for strength and comfort for all of her family.
Becky was a sweet friend and colleague. In our short time knowing each other she inspired me to be the best Mother and Christian I can be. She was one of the strongest and kindest children of God I’ve ever met. I cannot believe her time here with us was so short and ended with such tragedy. I continue to pray for her family, especially her Mother and three sweet boys. I love you Becky.
I didn’t know Becky, but I do know her sister, Sarah, Sarah’s husband Brett, and their girls. It’s obvious what good people they are and what a solid family they have. Whoever wrote about Becky here painted such a clear picture of the kind of person she was and I wish I had known her. Anybody who has the word fart showing up in a eulogy of sorts is somebody I’d want to know! Lol
My hope and prayers for her family and loved ones is that they find some comfort in each other, in her memory, and in God’s grace. May she rest in Heavenly peace.
Teva Ingrassia
Bill and Bernie, we were so shocked by this terrible news about Becky. I’ll always remember her from so long ago as I saw her when she would come into Earel & Buss. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you during this very troubling and sorrowful time.
Bill and Bernie you have our sincere condolences on the tragic loss of your daughter. You and your family are in our prayers.
May God be with you and your family as you mourn the loss of your mother. daughter and sister. Bernie, I remember when your girls were younger and Girl Scout activities. May the beautiful memories as you honor your beautiful daughter. Te Lord be with you and surround you in his loving arms.
Bill and Bernie, I cannot imagine the true depth of sadness your family is experiencing. Sue and I will forever have Becki in our prayers.
I’m so sad to hear about Becky, she seemed absolutely amazing . I didn’t know her personally and I’ve never replied on anyone’s private remembrances before but somehow her story came to light and I had to read about this beautiful Mother and Healthcare professional who was there thru the thick of Covid. I suppose seeing her story and continued reading touched me bc my daughter is 15 a 4.0 student that is really pursuing to be a surgeon in her adult life .
Becky God Bless You thankyou for being a Healthcare warrior during Covid and a Great Boy Momma. Condolences to her Family I’m so sorry for your loss ❤️💔
Becky and I sat next to each other in our chemistry class at QU. She was a lovely person, very kind and funny. I’m shocked and saddened to hear what happened to her. I pray that God comforts her parents and family during this incredibly difficult time.
To Bill and your family, I am so very sorry of your loss of your daughter, Becky. I cannot imagine the pain and devastation you are feeling, my heart and prayers go out to you and are with you. I hope someday your wonderful memories of your daughter will surpass this horrible tragedy. Many thoughts and prayers are surrounding you today and everyday.
I never meet her, but I am very saddened by her passing. My sincere condolences to her family and children. You are in my prayers.
💐May Gods Love comfort & His spirit sustain Beckis family. She gave so much love & was truly loved. The pain & sorrow is unimaginable! God Bless, Protect & bring healing to her sons greiving hearts. Gods peace passes all understanding.
♥️💔2 Cor 1:3-4
I juat finished watching Killers cases tv show.
My deepest sympathies to the family. What a big loss. I believe Becky was one wonderful, lovely person.
I can’t even imagine how heart broken her family must be right now.
Rest in peace Becky.
Sending lots of love and strenght to her sons and family members.
Zuzana
Toronto, Canada
I do not know your family, but will pray for strength and peace in your hearts. Becki sounds positively amazing- may she rest in peace.
She was a brilliant light in so many ways and in so many lives. What a tragic loss. She was dearly loved by everyone she ever met.
I’m a complete stranger that lives miles away and I have never met Becky. I’ve only read about Becky on the internet this morning. My eyes are filled with tears that such an amazing woman was taken from her boys and family. May your family find peace and comfort in your time of grief. My prayers are with you.
Did not know her. My wife was an RN. Becki had to be one of a kind. God bless her three boys. May her family find comfort thru God.
We know Sarah (Becky’s sister) , Bret, and their kids and Sarah has that joyful, contagious laugh too. It was very inspiring to read about Becky’s super duper great life of spreading love everywhere she went !!! She has made the world so much better and will be with you all for all your lives!!!
I didn’t know Becki personally, but I am genuinely so sorry for your loss, I will always hate the fact that bad things happen to good people. I know she is looking down upon her family and watching over you, she sounds like she was an exceptional mom, woman, and nurse.
I didn’t know Becki personally, and I’m so so sorry for your loss, I will never understand why bad things happen to such good people. I know she is looking down on her family, watching over you. She seemed like she was an amazing mom, woman, nurse, all of the above, and that she touched every persons life she entered. I didn’t even know her, and even I was so touched by Becki’s story and her passion, may she rest in peace ❤️
Sending my sincere condolences from Australia. I did not know Becky but it is clear to me she was a phenomenal human who loved and was loved so much. She will so clearly be missed by many.
I did not know her but I’m am so incredibly sorry for your loss and tell her boys to always remember her in there hearts and that’s she is always with them.
I did not know Becky but I just saw her story on youtube and I am truly sorry for your loss and my heart and condolences to her family and her wonderful sons I will keep you all in my prayers I know that she is looking down on you all I hear she a wonderful person and amazing mom and always know god is with you rest in heavenly peace Becky she will truly be missed and loved by everyone.
We send heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the family of Rebecca Bernadette Postle Bliefnick. She is surely missed by all who love her. May your treasured good memories provide comfort for you always. She accomplished much as a compassionate, generous, kind-hearted, and cherished person and nurse. Thank you, Rebecca, for your kindness, humor, and contagious laugh, and your love for people and animals. You lived a life worth imitating. Your legacy of good deeds and good will towards others is remembered by many and is an example for others to follow.
Deacon, Greyson, and Arlin, please remember that your mother loved and cherished you. She had a powerful love for her you, and you are precious to her. She loved spending time with you and instilling her love for God in you. Nothing can take away her love for you and God.
May you find comfort in knowing that warm thoughts and sympathy are with you. May the power of prayer ease your sorrow, give you peace and provide much comfort for you. Wishing your family peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts and hands. May God continue to comfort you. –23rd Psalm
I never had the chance to meet Rebecca, but when I learned of her murder, I was deeply saddened – not just for her, but for her entire family and friends. She sounds like an amazing human being and deserves to be remembered for all the good she did in the world. My love is with all of you who knew her.
I have never met Becky but I would like to offer my condolences. I am a fellow RN of 43 years and know the joys and struggles of a nursing career, as well as raising a family. Becky sounds like someone who did both in an exemplary manner. She deserved only the best treatment in life, yet ended up with the worst. She is with Jesus now, so her boys can take comfort in that. They will always miss her but it is good to know that Becky’s supportive family will care for them. Just from reading her obituary, I know Becky was an exceptional nurse, mother, and human being who left a positive effect on everyone she met. Rest in peace Becky.
I live in the UK and have just watched the shocking story of Rebecca’s death. I was so moved that I felt compelled to write this message. That someone can do this to another human being is beyond me. Becky was so beautiful, inside and out. I am so very sorry for your loss. She will live on in her three wonderful sons. Rest in peace, Becky 💖
I am so sorry for your loss… I personally did not know Becky but she seemed a devoted mother… My heart goes out to her 3 children, and I hope they will one day come to terms with their mother’s passing… I know the boys may suffer from childhood PTSD, as do I, and they will need so much love, strength, compassion and understanding during this incredibly hard time… I hope Tim’s parental rights are terminated, that way his father Ray? won’t have access to the boys and I believe that Becky’s concerns were valid about her father-in-law… Please protect those boys and know that Becky is always with her boys…