She is a graduate of Lake Quinault High School, and earned her undergraduate degree from Stanford University in 1966.
[1][2] After moving to Bellingham in 1969, Becker began her career as a paralegal for Northwest Washington Legal Services.
[3] In 1974 she wrote the fictional Superspill: An Account of the 1978 Grounding at Bird Rocks (Madrona Press, Seattle) with Patricia Coburn.
Described at the time as "one of the most articulate voices in the Legislature", "one of the bright lights of the state Democratic party" and "an unequivocal liberal", she chose not to run for re-election in 1982.
[1] She has also worked as a member of the Whatcom County Council (1984–85) and on the Western Washington University board of trustees (1989–1994).