Rebecca Lee "Becky" Markovich

Rebecca “Becky” L. Markovich (1954–2026)

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Rebecca “Becky” L. Markovich, 72, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Becky passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at Majestic Pines in Grand Rapids, MN.

Born on March 21, 1954, in Grand Rapids, MN to Voitto and Lila (Abear) Savolainen. She graduated from Nashwauk-Keewatin High School in 1972 and earned her Nursing degree from Hibbing Community College in June 1974.

That same year, Becky began her career at the Grand Rapids Hospital and married the love of her life, James Markovich, on October 19, 1974, at Saint Cecilia’s in Nashwauk. In 1977, she joined the staff at Fairview Hospital in Hibbing, where she served until the early 1990’s. In 1983, she also began working as the School Nurse with the Nashwauk-Keewatin Schools, a role she held until her retirement in 2013.

Becky loved adventure and time spent making memories. She and Jim loved cruising the seas and soaking up the sunshine in new places. She looked forward to "ladies' trips" with her cousins and friends—trips defined by shared stories and endless laughter. A true music lover, Becky attended over 50 live concerts, creating a lifetime of joyful soundtracks.

When she wasn't traveling, Becky was a dedicated volunteer with the Fairview Range Hospital Ladies Auxiliary and an active member of the Hibbing-Chisholm Garden Club. At home, she was known for her "supervisory" skills, expertly managing the various house and yard projects she decided Jim should tackle.

Above all, Becky was the heart of her family. As the steady center of their lives, she kept everyone connected through her warmth and care. Her greatest blessings were her six grandchildren, and she cherished every moment spent in their company.

Becky is survived by her husband of 51 years, Jim Markovich of Hibbing, MN; her children, Michael (Kimber) Markovich of Bark River, MI, Nicholas (Heather) Markovich of Hermantown, MN, and Lindsay (Jeffrey) Douville of Hibbing, MN; and her six cherished grandchildren, Kennedy Markovich, Jasper and Kaija Markovich, and Avery, Hadley, and Bode Douville. She also leaves behind her brothers, Richard (Susan) Savolainen of Lake Elmo, MN, and Roger Savolainen of Grand Rapids, MN; sisters-in-law Mary Kay Wihela of Cloquet, MN, and Susan Bokros of Maple Grove, MN; along with many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Voitto and Lila Savolainen; her sister, Patty Kay Farrell; and her nephew, Brian Farrell.

The family would like to thank the employees of Majestic Pines memory care and hospice team of Essentia for their exceptional care and compassion. Also, a sincere thank you to all of our family and friends who visited and offered their support and to Connie Korth for her weekly visits.

A celebration of Becky’s life will be held from 10:30 am until 1:00 pm at the Dougherty Funeral Home in Hibbing, MN, on Monday, April 6, 2026. A private interment at the Maple Hill Cemetery will take place at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by the Dougherty Funeral Home.

To leave an online message of condolence, please visit: www.doughertyofhibbing.com