Rebecca Grogan

Rebecca L. Grogan, 48, of Millstadt, IL, born Tuesday, March 22, 1977, in Belleville, IL, passed away Friday, February 6, 2026 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL.

Rats, cockroaches and Rebecca Grogan would be the answer to the timeless question “What would survive Armageddon?” Morose as it may be, it always got a great big chuckle out of my sister Becky. For the longest time it was our ability to enjoy some dark humor and add some much-needed levity to an extremely heartbreaking family situation that allowed us to endure. What can you say about someone who suffered for more than thirty years? Not many words exist that could quantify something so vast, but when I think of Becky one word does some to mind, and that is resilience. My sister was the toughest person I have ever known and was determined to not let her kidneys control her life. Trying to comprehend how one could live with so much pain and hardship for the majority of their life seems utterly futile, but Becky did and always tried to make the most out of every minute she was able to.

My brother Andy and I remember fondly always looking up to Becky for guidance and strength when life handed us tough situations. Memories of sledding competitions on cold winter nights followed by mafia movie marathons until the wee hours of the morning always brought smiles to our faces. Becky pulling Andy and I in the same little red wagon that my father Ed pulled her around all over town pulls on your heart strings. Then of course, as with any big sister, how could Andy and I forget the endless makeovers and dressing us up like ballerinas because we were too young to complain. Becky was instrumental in not only helping us navigating tough times like adolescence/teenage years but was brave enough to show us that despite what peer pressures you may face it’s always vital to stay true to yourself. Becky was a strong, confident and independent young woman who was not afraid to speak her mind and be herself even if it bucked the common trends or expectations.

An amazing student and a great athlete, Becky’s future as a teenage girl was filled with brightness and optimism. She aspired to go to nursing school and have a career in the medical field because she was extremely selfless and wanted to help people. Unfortunately for Becky, life sometimes has other plans. The weight of hearing Becky had incurable Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) that would cause her to be disabled and in chronic pain for the rest of her life was immeasurable. All of us surrounding her felt entirely helpless as there was nothing we could do to make her life better. We were completely powerless and could only watch as the exuberance and verve that once sparkled in her eyes began to fade with the oncoming life of darkness and misery.

Enough cannot be said about my mother, Evelyn, who is the most selfless person I have ever known. Evelyn spent the last thirty years of her life tending to her daughter and doing everything she could to help Becky find some semblance of comfort. Endless late night runs to the hospital, frequent trips to specialists and pain clinics and eventually dialysis dominated Evelyns life, and I am extremely proud to say that my brother Andy was with her every step of the way. It takes a lot to put aside your own life and aspirations but that is what my family was able to do because it is what Becky needed. Having more memories of Becky being sick than healthy breaks my heart because it reminds me of how her life was overwhelmed by pain and suffering.

Once her niece (Fiona) and her nephew (Harrison) came into her life she found hope to grasp on to as watching them grow gave her a newfound sense of purpose. Becky was Fiona and Harry’s biggest fan and loved watching them play hockey and spoiling them every chance she got. Unfortunately, Becky’s life ended before she was able to enjoy many more milestones with Fiona and Harry like teaching Fiona how to drive a car or giving Harry advice about girls.

When we speak of Becky’s death, I think it is very important to find the silver in lining in that she is no longer suffering and can finally be at peace. Humans can only take so much, and it is quite remarkable she held on for as long as she did. I think it goes without saying that whatever you believe in, Becky deserved a lot more than the raw hand she was dealt. I made a promise to Becky a long time ago that when she passed that I would include a quote from her favorite song, Blowin’ In the Wind by Bob Dylan, in her eulogy/obituary.

Yes, and how many years must a mountain exist
Before it is washed to the sea?
Yes, and how many years must some people exist
Before they’re allowed to be free?

Rebecca, you touched our lives in so many ways and taught us so many life lessons about gratitude and perspective. We love you with all our hearts and wish you farewell. Go and be at peace my sister.

Surviving are her parents, Edward and Evelyn, nee Humphrey, Grogan of Millstadt, IL; brothers, Andrew Grogan of Millstadt, IL, and Jonathan Grogan of Waterloo, IL; nieces and nephews, Ryan East, Jacob East, Fiona Grogan, Harrison Grogan, sister-in-law, Kristen East and pet companion, Petey.

Memorials: Memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation

Services: Private family services.

Obit Provided By:
Kurrus Funeral Home