Rebecca Jeanne Guinagh

Rebecca "Becky" Jeanne Guinagh, age 79, passed away after a short battle with pancreatic cancer on Monday, March 20, 2023, in Gainesville, Florida. She was born December 19, 1943 in Lansing, Michigan to Chan H. Robinson and E. Jean Vawter Robinson. She grew up in Painesville, Ohio as the eldest of four siblings and took on a lot of responsibility for caring for them. She exceled academically in school and graduated from Riverside High School in 1961. Becky earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education (BA) at Michigan State University (1965) and a Master of Education degree at the University of Florida (1971). Becky married Barry Joseph Guinagh in 1965. In 1968, they moved to Gainesville, Florida which remained their home for the rest of their lives. They raised two sons, Brady Joseph and Brennan James. Because of Brady's challenging birth and diagnosis of cerebral palsy, Becky pursued healthier practices in birthing and infant care and successfully challenged the public schools in Gainesville to open a program for physically impaired students. Managing the well-being of Brady was her lifelong mission, which through her love and advocacy not only improved his life, but all physically and mentally challenged individuals in the Gainesville area. Professionally, she spent the majority of working years as a middle school teacher of math and English at Fort Clarke Middle School utilizing her natural empathy for her students to help guide them through some of the most formative years of their lives. Becky enjoyed extensive traveling with Barry, their favorite being riverboat cruises in Europe. She also took a great interest in the Vawter Family Ancestry for which she acted as the secretary for the VVV Family Association for six years. Becky is preceded in death by her loving husband, Barry J. Guinagh, and her parents. In addition to her sons, Becky is survived by Brennan's wife Lynn, grandchildren Riley and Avery, sister Pam A. Elsass (Dan), and brothers Kermit C. Robinson (Bo) and Greg L. Robinson (Patty). Family and Friends are welcome to attend a memorial service to celebrate Rebecca's life on Saturday April 1st at 4:00 PM at the United Church of Gainesville, 1624 NW 5th Avenue, with a reception following in Reimer Hall at UCG. Becky's Family will have a committal service at Forest Meadows Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to ARC of Alachua County, 3303 NW 83 Street, Gainesville, FL 32606; United Church of Gainesville, 1624 NW 5th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32603; or the Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Rd, SW, Lilburn, GA 30047.