Augusta “Gussie” Becker and Francis Cahill performed by Carolyn Stucky and Will Lovell

Augusta “Gussie” Becker (1882-1982) was a German immigrant who came to the U.S. with her family when she was only five years old. Her early training as a nurse and elementary school teacher aided her in her 30-plus year career as a housemother to the young girls in Logan Cottage at the Illinois Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Children’s School. A resident of the Home during Becker’s tenure, Francis Cahill (1922-1938) was the eldest of four brothers born in Chicago. He was sent to the ISSCS at the age of eight after his parents’ separation. As a teenager, he was part of the track and field team at Felmley Junior High, and double lettered in both track and baseball. Sadly, his life was cut short. While picking beans at the Home, he began experiencing severe stomach pains and quickly succumbed to a ruptured appendix at the age of 16. Script written by Rhys Lovell, performed at Evergreen Cemetery Walk in 2018. Directed by Rhys Lovell.