Fundraisers Set After Passing Of Maplewood Disabilities Advocate

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Rebekah Novemsky, 55, of Maplewood, always worked in non-profits, but she became focused on helping families deal with disabilities after her son Liam was born with special needs in 1998. Described as a hard-working advocate for families — even after she became sick last summer — she passed away in mid-April. She had been diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer in August 2020, said a story in Village Green.

Novemsky, who graduated from the public schools in Maplewood before obtaining her psychology degree at Douglass College, was mourned by her community after her untimely death last month.

Friends have started a Meal Train as well as a GoFundMe for her family, which includes — besides son Liam — husband Tom Obrzut and her other son, Milo, a member of the Columbia High School senior class.

The GoFundMe is here and the MealTrain is here.

According to the GoFundMe, "Not many of us knew that she had been ill. Whenever she ran into you, be it at the Tuscan playground, which hold my fondest memories of her, or in town, you felt a connection. Her generous kind heart was palpable ... Becky was dedicated to her family and fighting for the rights of people with disabilities. Becky and Tom worked as a team to care for their children. With the loss of income and financial challenges ahead, the family could use as much help as possible from our loving community."

The Village Green story said, "Liam was born with disabilities, so Becky stayed home for two years to care for him. Then she started volunteering for organizations that helped families dealing with disabilities and was offered a full-time job ... Becky was always a tireless researcher and advocate for those with special needs. ... Nothing would stop her – not even her cancer — from helping others managing with disabilities. Becky worked relentlessly throughout her cancer treatments."

The story said a garden in Union is being named after Rebekah in honor of kids with special needs.

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