In Memoriam: Rumson-Raised RFH 2016 Grad, Athlete, Artist, Writer, Becca Ley, 28

It is with great sadness that the passing of Rebecca “Becca” Edith Ley is announced. Becca passed away on March 8 at 28 — a beautiful soul taken too soon.

The Rumson-raised Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) Class of 2016 graduate was born at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank on Jan. 18, 1998. After graduating from RFH, Becca then attended Monmouth University, graduating in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education.

Excelling in sports from a young age, Becca was well known for her athleticism in gymnastics, surfing, and diving. Her true calling emerged in running. She was a varsity cross country and track-and-field distance runner throughout her middle school, high school, and college careers. As a senior at RFH, she served as a leader of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. And while in college at Monmouth University, she broke a university record in the 5,000-meter run in 2018.

“Along with her strength and agility, Becca was also an amazing artist and writer. During her school years, she was a member of the National Art Honor Society. She carried these talents beyond the classroom. Creativity was a part of her everyday life. She gifted her art to friends and family and published two books following the passing of her mother, Daryl, in 2019: How Dar-e You Leave Me and Age of Ghosts.

“Above all else, Becca was known for being a bright light to anyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She was an authentic, vibrant old soul who carried immense wisdom, humor, honesty, quirkiness, and imagination wherever she went. Keeping life lighthearted, she set a refreshing example of how we all should approach each day.

“She will always be a much-loved daughter, sister, cousin, niece, and friend.“
Loved ones of Becca Edith Ley in her obituary

Rebecca was preceded in death by: her mother, Daryl Diane Ley; and her brother, Thomas Cooper Ley. “There is comfort in knowing they are together.“

Those left to carry on and share her legacy are: her father, Thomas Ley; her sister, Adrienne O’Connell (Matthew); her brother, Benjamin Ley; her grandmother “Mummum”; and numerous supportive aunts, uncles, cousins, and wonderful friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the memorial service from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, at John E. Day Funeral Home, 85 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 30, at Tower Hill Church, 255 Harding Road, Red Bank.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sheppard Pratt (https://www.sheppardpratt.org/donate/) and The Art Therapy Project (https://thearttherapyproject.org/donate).

— Edited obituary written by family via John E. Day Funeral Home