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Rebecca Shannon Kozak

September 25, 1990 - June 20, 2021

Rebecca will be deeply missed by her parents, John and Kandy Kozak; her best friend and sister, Hayley Kozak; her brother-in-law Franklin Amaral; her soul mate Mike Barry and her cherished, pampered cat, Zoë. Rebecca will never be forgotten by her grandmother, Gladys Furman. Rebecca is survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and dear and loyal friends and neighbours.

Rebecca was a beautiful soul who always put others above herself. Her love of nature and animals showed her authentic beauty and kindness. In her true passion for helping people, Rebecca pursued a career in health care. She graduated in 2012 from Fanshawe College from the DSW program on the Honour Roll and President’s Honour Roll. From there, she found her dream job with St. Joseph’s Hospital and followed her aspirations to help brain injury patients. Rebecca also returned to her old high school at RMC as an Educational Assistant, where she loved walking the hallways again. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she was redeployed as a frontline worker for support on the Covid floor. Following her career as a frontline worker at St. Joseph’s, she pursued her calling as an Assessor – Service Navigator for Development Services Ontario.

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends will be received on Saturday, June 26, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Northview Funeral Chapel, 1490 Highbury Avenue North, London. A Celebration of Life will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, June 27, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Registration is required to attend the Memorial Visitation and Celebration of Life. Please note: as per the directive of the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, attendance numbers will be restricted. Please be aware that COVID-19 protocols are in place which may preclude some from being able to attend and masks are mandatory.

Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Rebecca are asked to consider the London Food Bank. Rebecca was a steadfast supporter of local business, and those wishing to send condolences with floral arrangements are asked to consider Bloomers in London.

To register for the visitation and service, make a donation, or to leave an online condolence, click the links to the left of the obituary.

Hello Rebecca
My old friend,
I’ve come to hold you
once again,
journeys long over
land and time,
have brought me here

by your side,
while the sonnets of wind and rain,
rejoice your name,
Rebecca.

Now down rivers
fast and wide,
these ancient highways
echo of my pride,
to the rhythm of the
paddles gentle wave,
I call your name,
Rebecca.

All the northland
in her majestic might,
Lengthens shadows
to call on the September night,
a lone balladeer
drifts on crested wave
his song resounds out across the bay,
in celebration of the second,
your first breath,
broke,
the silence,
Rebecca.

AND now your last breath has filled us with silence, June 21, 2021.

Poem written by her father John Kozak on the day she was born, September 25, 1990.

Leave a tribute for Rebecca Shannon Kozak

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(Donated to The London Food Bank)

~ Sue and Al Quaglia

(Donated to The London Food Bank)

~ Linda Vergas

Hoping she finds the peace she was searching for. Love Uncle Fred, Kymmie, Brad and families.

~ Kim Youngblut

Our deepest sympathy - Cathy & Paige

~ Cathy Romaine

Our hearts are broken for you John, Kandy and family. We wish you peace and comfort.

~ Kathryn Bernardi

Our deepest condolences on the loss of your beautiful daughter.

~ Sheelah Chelchowski

Rebecca, May the Good Lord cradle you in his arms and may your family find peace in knowing you are there. With Love, Darlene and Gabe Devenyi

~ Darlene Devenyi

In memory of Becca,❤ You will be missed by everyone who has had the pleasure to meet you

~ Desiree Hayes

We are deeply sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

~ Eco Architectural Glass Inc

Rebecca will be forever missed by her family at RMC. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

~ RMC Family

Forever in my heart Auntie Paula

~ Paula Sawchuk McFarland

(Donated to The London Food Bank)

~ Katherine Swift

My deepest condolences to Rebecca's loved ones. Take comfort in one another.

~ Jennifer Semkowski

Thoughts and prayers are with you guys. We send our love and are here for you. Nat and Tim

~ Tim Brown

I remember the little blue and white dress with hat as Rebecca chased Bucky.❤️

~ Sam Hughes

John and Kandy, I am so sorry to hear about your great loss. This is truly heartbreaking. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Take care, Spook.

~ Stacey Cartmell

My deepest sympathies and so very sorry of Rebecca’s passing. I will be sending a card and letter to your mom’s address. Hugs from Louise Stayzer and family.

~ Louise Stayzer and Family

John & Kandy, My deepest condolences and thoughts are with you. Randy M.

~ Randy

Rebecca's colleagues at Developmental Services Ontario were just getting to know her but had already embraced her as one of our own. She was intelligent, thoughtful and kind. We are so sorry for your loss.

~ Pat Weir

Kandy and John, I was heartbroken to hear the news yesterday. There are no words. Thinking of you guys and your family. Greg Alcock

~ Greg Alcock

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

~ Cheryl Pollard

In memory of Rebecca Kozak

~ Mark Packwood

(Donated to The London Food Bank)

~ Arden Kozak

Extending our deepest sympathy to you with profound sadness. Our thoughts are with you

~ Tad & Rita Brazda

In Memory of Rebecca. I worked with her at RMC. She was the kindest, sweetest person to work with.

~ Valentina Kirkwood

Our sincere condolences, Members of CUPE Local 4186, Education support workers of the LDCSB

~ Irene Smith

Our heartfelt condolences to you all John Kandy Haley and Gladys

~ Anne Marie & Dennis Winmill

In loving remembrance of Rebecca. Love Jayne, Andrew and Adam McChesney.

~ Jayne McChesney

So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

~ Sue Ward

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time!

~ Marsha Yerema

So sorry for your loss of such a beautiful and special person.

~ Kathy Labrie

(Donated to The London Food Bank)

~ Ursula

In memory of Rebecca Kozak. God be with her parents John & Kandy & family. (Jim & Tina McGill)

~ JAMES McGILL

In honour and memory of Becca Kozak

~ Jordana Quaglia

Sending my deepest condolences to Rebecca’s family. I spent 8 years working with Becca at NRC and Parkwood and will miss seeing her beautiful smile. She was so sweet and heart of gold. Rest In Peace and may her memory be eternal. ❤️

~ Nicky Tsiropoulos

No words can express how sorry I am. You’ve gained your wings! You beautiful soul

~ Shelly Luck-Baker

So sorry to the Kozak family..so sorry to hear about your loss Becca. You were suchan amazingly beautiful soul. Grade school was a much better place because you were in it. I want your family to know that although this year hasn't been easy for any of us that maybe some pain can be lifted off there hearts knowing that you are watching over them now and at peace. Love ya Tawnya Parent

~ Tawnya

I worked with Becca at RMC. She was so good with the students. She was kind, compassionate and patient. Everyone liked her and I have wonderful memories of her. May she Rest In Peace.

~ John Vella

We are very deeply sorry for your loss. Though our words can do little, we hope our thoughts and prayers will support you all during this difficult time. Flashback to all the years of highschool memories with Becca, she will be truly missed by many. Rest in sweet peace angel. <3 Melissa Newman & Family

~ Melissa Newman

I was blessed to have had that short time to work with Rebecca in Parkwood. I will always remember her lovely smile and giggles. Such a good heart and beauty to match, so I was pained and devastated to learn of this loss. I can not presume the agony her family and loved ones are going through at this time. Sending her family, friends and loved ones my deepest condolences and prayers for strength at this time. Rest in peace sweet Rebecca.

~ Christine Khey

I had the privilege of working with Becca at Parkwood (both at the NRC and the 5B unit during Covid). She was compassionate and kind towards others and never hesitated to provide a helping hand. My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Becca’s. She will be missed.

~ Eliana Caranci

My deepest sympathies to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

~ Nancy Adams

John, Kandy and Hayley. I was heartbroken to hear of the loss of your beautiful daughter/sister. No words will ease your pain but I hope you find peace and can cherish the memories you have. Becca was a beautiful person and I will think of her often

~ Kaitlyn Locke

My sincere condolences to your family. As Chaplain at RMC, I knew Rebecca as a student, and then her joyful return as an EA. Her kindness, compassion and love for others, especially our students changed many lives for the better. May God heal our hearts and welcome his good and faithful servant Home.

~ Kimberly Lajoie

Her beautiful smile will be missed. Our most heartfelt condolences to the family. Steph, Liz, Hannah

~ Liz H.

I have never met Rebecca but lve heard a lot about her through my sister who knew her. My heart breaks over an over with the thought of what happened. My prayers are going out to God that He will keep you(the family) strong to get through this horrible pain and that you may be comforted! With Love Justyna Thoms & Family, BC

~ Justyna Thoms

I’m at a loss for words because I know that there is nothing to be said that will heal your pain,only time can mead such tragedy. Saying good bye to such an extraordinary soul is a painful journey on your heart may her memories give you peace along the way. My love and prayers are with your family

~ Laurie Desmarais and Family

Hayley, John, and Kandy; Our hearts broke when we heard of Rebecca's passing. There are no words that could possibly express our shock and deep sadness of such unfathomable loss. Please know that you, and your extended family, are in our thoughts. Love, Uncle Bill and Aunt Irma Arden Kozak and Ron Honey

~ Arden Kozak

That was a beautiful poem John she was very lucky to have beautiful parents like yourselves. Steve & I send our deepest condolences to you & your family!!

~ Lynnette & Steve Heirs

Such a beautiful person inside and out. Sending my deepest condolences and prayers to her family and loved ones. You will be missed Becca. RIP

~ Melissa Butcher

There are never enough words to express my sorrow and the pain I share with you John and Hayley. I can’t bring myself to the realization that she is gone with the Lord at such a young age. I pray that God will give each and everyone of you strength and fill you with peace and his love in these very trying times . I preferred to write you and email sending you my deepest and dearest condolences and sympathy. As I am sure it is very hard for all of you at this time . I remember her sweet smile and was honored to have a small glimpse into Becca’s wonderful character, spirit and accomplishments, through her Facebook posts..... She was a joy to everyone ...I will miss the photos of her beautiful smiles on all her pictures she posted on line. Take courage and solace in all her beautiful memories and the love she had for all of you . May God keep you John and Hayley strong and in his precious care in these difficult and sorrowful times .. All my Love and Prayers Love you Auntie Barbara.

~ Auntie Barbara

to john , kandy , and family just reaching out to you to say that my im thinking about you and the memory of Rebecca. I miss you john and am sorry for your loss. hugs and love from jeffrey thomas

~ jeffrey thomas

Kandy, John, and Hayley, I cannot begin to express how deeply sorry I am for your loss. I will never ever forget Becca and the friendship we had for years through elementary school and high school. Having her as such a close friend and confidant during those years will forever leave me with only treasured and wonderful memories. I am thankful to have had her (and the three of you as well) in my life in that time. Again, I am so sorry for your loss and I am sending much love to you all and your family.

~ Jordana Quaglia

John, Kandy & Hayley...Dellany and I are absolutely heart broken over the loss of your beautiful daughter. We remember her sweet smile and kind heart, and will forever keep those memories in our hearts. Thinking of you all, and praying in time, you find peace Love, Sandy & Dellany

~ SANDY KOVACS

My condolences are with the family during this very difficult time. I had met Rebecca only a handful of times through my sister Rebecca (they went to school together).She was such a nice young woman and her smile was so beautiful. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.

~ Emily Moore

Words cannot express how heartbroken we feel to hear the news of Rebecca’s passing. Such a kind, gentle soul. Marty and Michele xo

~ Marty Chisholm

We are deeply saddened to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Kim and Tom Caverley

~ Kim Caverley

The world will miss your kind heart Rebecca. I am so sorry for your loss and we are all praying for you to find comfort and peace. Meagan, Mark and Rachele Packwood

~ Mark Packwood

My deepest condolences. Thinking of you all during such a difficult time! Rebecca was a wonderful, caring & hardworking sweet young lady. Worked with her @ RMC Angela DeLeemans EA

~ Angela DeLeemans

Oh Rebecca, what happened my friend. I found out yesterday you have passed. I am so happy we met when you were working at Hutton House. I enjoyed many lunches together with you, shared beautiful conversations about work and life with you. I am in shock, can't believe you are gone. We both won't be liking our Facebook posts anymore, I am so proud we were friends and I will truly miss your smile, but heaven gained a beautiful smile and an Angel. RIP, A Soul Set Free. John McCracken

~ John McCracken

Such a privilege to have worked with her at RMC. She made my day every time I saw her. She will be missed.

~ Juli

Rebecca was a light in everyone’s life. She was kind, thoughtful, compassionate. She was an incredible listener and someone who was always willing to provide support. I will always honour and cherish my memories and friendship with you. May you Rest In Peace Rebecca. We will never forget you.

~ Naghmeh

John, Kandy & Family Please accept my deepest condolences. My heart go out to you during this painful time. Laura

~ Laura Gibson

Dear John, It fills me with grief to hear of your tremendous loss of Rebecca. I have not spoke to you in years but my thoughts and prayers are with you my friend. I know you have the will to bare this sorrow and find the strength to support your family. Wish I could be there to hug you. Lots of Love, Rudi

~ rudi kischer

With sadness in our hearts, we send our sincerest condolences to Kandy and John on the loss of your daughter Becca. For the short time we knew Becca we looked at and adored her as a great gal who would do anything for anyone.

~ Jim and Veldora Scott

Rosanne and I send our sincere condolences for the passing of Rebecca. We are sending a Mass Card to Gladys. We are so sorry to hear of her passing. Rosanne and Zenon Furman

~ Zenon Furman

My sincere condolences to Rebecca’s family and all her friends who will miss her dearly. Such a beautiful and caring soul. I pray for peace and comfort Becca, for you and all your loved ones. May you be at peace on your next journey.

~ Debbie Mylrea

Kandy, John, Hayley, We are beyond heartbroken to hear of Becca's passing. She was an amazing, beautiful, smart, loving and kind person and we were so blessed to have had her and your family in our lives. We will remember her always and will cherish her memory. Our hearts go out to all of you! This world will miss her beautiful light.

~ Sue and Al

Make a donation

If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.

The London Food Bank