Rebecca Jean Bahu

Rebecca, known to all as Becky, is remembered for her generous nature, big heart, gentle demeanor and notable baking skills. Becky was a giver and a provider. She lit up the room with her sparkling personality, but never demanded the spotlight. She had a zest for life and a lively sense of humor. 

She was born on October 11, 1947 to Ben and Jean Golubski. Every Sunday and on every holiday, she orchestrated joy-filled family gatherings, overflowing with colorful story-telling and laughter. Her family dinners always ended with a homemade dessert, like cheese cake, carrot cake, and pineapple upside-down cake.   

Becky lived all her life in South Bend IN. She was the oldest of three children. Her father was a realtor, known for his honesty and professionalism, who operated his own firm. Her mother was a home-maker known for her kindness and stunning flower gardens.

As a young child Becky delighted in playing the violin. She practiced assiduously and often would accompany her sister on the piano.

Becky graduated from Holy Cross Grade School, St. Joseph High School, and St. Mary’s College where she majored in history. Becky went on to earn a Master’s Degree from Western Michigan University.

She married Sohail Bahu in February 1978 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, after the wedding had been postponed several weeks due to the famous blizzard that dumped 36 inches of snow in South Bend. Sohail was a chemist who had immigrated from Lebanon. When she met him, he was a widower with children. Becky blended her family with selflessness and grace. She soon learned the art of Middle-Eastern cuisine as her and Sohail enjoyed entertaining and cooking.  

Becky found her professional calling at the St. Joseph County Public Library where she started working the day after her college graduation. She worked for decades at the main building and at the various branches as a librarian and in upper management. She was inventive, creative, and gave 100% to SJCPL. At the library, Becky was known as a caring mentor to new employees. 

Among her achievements there, Becky was responsible for Science Alive, a highly successful annual day-long event. It was designed to spark curiosity and interest in science through hands-on experiments such as weather studies, interactions with animals from the Potawatomi Zoo, and with Police K9 dogs. Under Becky’s tutelage, Science Alive blossomed into bigger events year after year.  Becky retired as the Coordinator of Branch Services. 

Becky enjoyed learning about her heritage. She toured and visited relatives in Austria, Germany and Hungary, before staying with her sister, who was studying abroad in Rome, Italy. Together they explored areas outside of Rome and regional cuisines.  

Becky nurtured not only people but animals. There was always a pet in her household. Recently, she took in an abandoned young cat who was very attached to her, and she was particularly fond of German Shepards.

After fighting a chronic illness, Becky peacefully passed into eternal life on March 21, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by two daughters, Jean Bahu, a nurse practitioner, Maria Bahu, a radiologic technologist, a younger sister, Suzanne Golubski Herbert, an attorney in NYC, and a younger brother, Joe Golubski, an accountant. Becky was predeceased by her husband Sohail, and daughter, Mona Bahu.

A mass in remembrance of Becky and celebration of life to follow will be determined at a later date. The locations and dates are TBD.

In lieu of flowers, Becky requested that donations be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as well as Pet Refuge.