It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Becca Piper, the beloved founder of The Ties Program and co-founder of The Gift of Identity Fund. Becca was not only a visionary leader but also a kind and compassionate person who left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. The Ties Program would not be what it is without Becca.
Becca Piper, 65, of Sedona, AZ, passed away on November 21, 2024. She was preceded in death by her beloved son Michael and her parents, Reg and Maydean Nash.
Becca is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 40 years, Ken Piper, her children Joe, Selena, and Larry, her cherished granddaughter Maelyn, and her siblings David and Janet. She also leaves behind extraordinary friends, extended family, and colleagues who enriched her life.
Motherhood was central to Becca’s life. She and Ken lovingly adopted all four of their children, and raising them was one of her greatest joys. Becca often reflected on her life with deep gratitude, treasuring the countless connections she made and the places she explored.
Born in Whitewater, Wisconsin, Becca graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison before founding Adoptive Family Travel Heritage Journeys by The Ties Program. For nearly 30 years, she, along with her dear friend Bea Evans and a remarkable team, guided international adoptees and their families on journeys to their birth countries. These experiences helped adoptees explore their heritage, culture, and, at times, reunite with birth families and caregivers.
Becca’s passions included travel, adventure, culture, nature, hiking, yoga, dancing, and her beloved dogs. She found immense peace and joy on the trails, immersed in the beauty of the world around her.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Becca’s memory can be made to the Gift of Identity Fund at www.gift-of-identity.org, supporting international adoptees in reconnecting with their roots.
Her life was a testament to love, adventure, and the power of connection. Becca will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Becca’s work impacted thousands of people. We invite everyone who traveled with her or were impacted by her work to share their stories in the comments section.
11 Comments on “In Loving Memory of Becca Piper”
Becca, we are all lifting your spirit and grace as your impact on the world continues to shine on us all.
Becca and Bea “recruited” me more than a decade ago to lead TIES trips. It became a partnership of love and support as they mentored me, learned with me, and co-created the ever-evolving desire to meet adoptees and their families where they were.
Becca saw inherent value and dignity in each human being and you felt it in every interaction. She fiercely but ever-so humbly dedicated herself to serving others.
She is missed. Fly peacefully Becca knowing that your legacy lives in us all.
Ian Forber-Pratt
Becca,
What a force and inspiration to us all! The legacy you created shines brightly as a testament to your wisdom and vision.
I am honored to have been influenced, nurtured, and inspired by you. Thank you for the ways you lived and loved…may they continue to inspire us.
With love,
Samantha Wilson
Adjunct TIES staff
My two Korean-born sons, Peter Choi Barclay and David Kim Barclay, thoroughly loved Becca who lead us on THREE trips to S.Korea , first in 1995!
I can’t believe she’s gone. Suzanne Elms, Lansing, MI
I met Becca years ago at a “Culture Camp” hosted by Catalyst Foundation. She was inspiring and encouraging to me as an adoptive mother of a beautiful daughter from Vietnam.
Years later, when Leah was eleven, we traveled to Vietnam with her team, and I cannot say enough wonderful things about that trip. Sadly, we have been unable to connect with any birthday family, but I know our daughter is a strong, confident young woman because she was able to see in person her country of birth.
I’m so sad to read of her fat-too-young death. What a loss to her family and to our world.
Sending love,
Becca led us on that first trip to Korea. It was a remarkable experience for all of us. Her caring and compassion helped us begin our family. We could not be more proud of the adults that our kids have become. Our cherished memories of her are part of our life.
I am so sad to read of Becca’s too early passing. We all greatly benefitted and grew from our trip in 2008 to Korea… I am so sad. Becca was an incredible gift to all of us touched by adoption.
What a sad news from U.S.A. I could’nt believe! What make you rush to leave this world! I met you when you started ‘KoreanTies’ 30+some more years ago.So many happy, funny, and sad stories we shared and tightened our sistership. Truely you’re the big reason my daughter chose U.S. to study more. Since then you’re called America Mom by her. When I lost my husnand 5yrs ago you invited me to your place(AZ) and comforted me travelling, hiking around
SEDONA. You’re real influencer with compassion, and true love of humanity!
I still can hear your laughter, joke and korean love song ‘Saranghae’! Miss you much and Saranghae. Finally I’d like to express my heartfelt sympathy to Ken Piper and Joe and extended family.
I am so sad to her this news about Becca. I still remember meeting her at one of the heritage camps before I was invited to be TIES adjunct staff. She was so intuitive and inspirational. Sending much love to her family and friends during this time.
So sad to hear about Becca’s passing. I will always remember having dinner with her in NYC and the legacy she leaves that greatly impacted me as an adoption social worker, clinician, and then as an adoptive parent. And what a loving, empathetic legacy!
Laura Summerhill
Ties Social Worker (Paraguay (2006?) and Russia (2009?)
It’s hard to put into words how heartbroken I am to hear about Becca’s passing. I am truly sorry for this profound loss. Becca held a very special place in my heart, as my “US mom,” as my own mom (Ms. Oom) said above. Becca was a pioneer who touched countless lives, especially children and adoptive families around the world. Her kindness, wisdom, and compassion were a gift to everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Becca watched me grow from my teenage years, and the bond between our families was something truly remarkable. She was not just a dear friend to my parents but also a mentor and guide to me. Her advice shaped so much of who I am today, and her love and support will never be forgotten.
I’m thinking deeply of Ken, her grown-up children, and all her loved ones right now. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in our hearts.
Dear Mrs. Becca Piper,
You were a truly passionate and kind person when I first met you through Holt’s motherland tour program back in 2002.
I was able to organize the motherland tours and make many precious memories with the Korean adoptees and their families. But I couldn’t have done these without your hard work.
I deeply appreciate and honor you for all the great works you’ve done for the Ties and Holt Children’s Services for the past 30 years.
Your kind and comforting words, especially, were a big help when my son Rae Hyun passed away in 2019.
I look forward to meeting all of us together in heaven.
Please rest in peace
Sincerely,
Euk Keun, Kim from Lemon12