Nicolette (Nicki) Gustin Becker

Nicki Becker passed away with her loving daughters by her side on September 20, 2025, and peacefully joined her beloved husband, Jay Becker, in heaven.

Born in 1939 in Sioux City, Iowa, she lived a life full of grace, devotion, and joy. A proud graduate of The University of Iowa with a degree in journalism, she found fulfillment in her work at Sears and Roebuck as part of the catalog team. During her time in Chicago she met Jay, the love of her life. They married in 1963 and started their journey filled with love, adventure, and family.

Nicki coordinated many household moves as her husband advanced in the steel industry. She was a devoted mother to Kathi (born in Coatesville, Pennsylvania) and Suzy (born in Livonia, Michigan). The family ultimately planted roots in Houston, Texas in 1968. Nicki was a warm and skilled mother who cherished her girls. She was a talented seamstress and passionate crafter. She poured her heart into quilting. She worked in a local quilt store and participated annually in the Houston International Quilt Festival. She designed and created award-winning quilts that many admired, and she shared her gifts by teaching quilting to others.

Nicki loved the outdoors. Family vacations centered around camping in the Colorado and Wyoming mountains and exploring national parks. She was a Girl Scout leader, becoming a second ‘mom’ to many girls. She taught them life skills and created memories like sailing at Camp Casa Mare.

In 1990, she and Jay built a beautiful home on lake Toledo Bend in east Texas where they hosted countless family reunions and gatherings filled with laughter and love. A decade later, the mountains tugged at their hearts and they moved to a cabin in South Fork, Colorado. They developed many friendships, participating in ATV and snowmobiling clubs, sled racing, line dancing, potlucks, pancake breakfasts at the local coffee shop, and Fourth of July parades. Nicki was an avid community contributor, and a vibrant spirit in every place she called home. 

Nicki’s greatest joy was her five grandkids - a group she fittingly branded as the “Fabulous Five”. She was guaranteed to attend any event in which they participated. She relished their countless swim meets, golf tournaments, hockey, baseball, and volleyball games, and loved cheering for her grandkids and their teammates.

Nicki had a soft spot for all creatures great and small. She loved the many dogs and cats that comforted her through life and wildlife friends such as deer, birds and even a bear or two!

Nicki was preceded in death by her husband, Jay Becker, sister Stephanie Markert, mother and father: Erma and John Gustin. She is survived by her daughters and sons in law: Kathi Wort and husband Eric, and Suzy McCown and husband Jim. And of course, the “Fabulous Five” Charlie, Joseph, and Kayla Wort, and Jay, and Josh McCown. 

Her life was a testament to faith, family, and friendship. She will be remembered for her generosity, warmth, creativity, and the joy she brought to everyone around her.

A funeral Mass will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church, 8017 Preston Rd Dallas, Texas, Friday October 3, 2025 at 10am. Prayers will be held at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, Texas, on Monday October 6, 2025 at 2pm.

The family is deeply grateful to Monsignor Milam Joseph, Father Kevin Kolker, Father Wade Bass and SMU Catholic Church for their loving support, faith and guidance.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Nicki’s life may do so through a donation to Catholic Campus Ministry at SMU https://www.smucatholic.org/donate

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