Rebecca Margarete Horton

Rebecca Margarete Horton, age 51, of Bel Air, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 10, 2025, in Bel Air. Born in Columbia, Maryland, she was the cherished daughter of Quentin Louis Kardos and Colleen Mae (Heath) Kardos.

Rebecca is survived by her devoted husband, Patrick D. Horton, and their beloved son, Tyler Horton. She is also survived by her brothers, David Kardos and his wife Rachel, and Seth Kardos and his wife Heather; as well as several nieces, nephews, and aunts who adored her deeply.

A faithful Catholic throughout her life, Rebecca and Patrick were active members of several local parishes. She was a longstanding member of the Young Adults group at St. John’s Catholic Church in Columbia and regularly attended Mass with her family. Her faith and compassion guided everything she did.

Rebecca’s resilience and empathy were hallmarks of her life. A survivor of childhood cancer, she was a proud camper at Camp Fantastic, organized by Special Love in Virginia, and later returned as a volunteer to support other children going through similar journeys. She was often invited to speak by medical organizations to share her powerful testimony on battling cancer from a young age, offering hope and inspiration to others.

In the mid-1980s, Rebecca was a Make-A-Wish recipient, which granted her the unforgettable experience of traveling to the Orioles’ spring training. Her love for the Baltimore Orioles remained strong throughout her life, and she had the unique joy of befriending baseball legends Cal Ripken and John Miller.

During her time at Mount Saint Mary’s University, Rebecca became a passionate advocate for disability rights, working diligently to establish campus accommodations for students with disabilities. Her efforts left a lasting impact and demonstrated her lifelong commitment to inclusivity and support for others.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Rebecca’s memory to:

• Special Love, 158 Front Royal Pike, Ste. 301, Winchester, VA 22602

• National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Mount Saint Mary’s Lourdes, 16330 Grotto Road, Emmitsburg, MD 21727

Rebecca’s legacy of strength, faith, and love lives on in the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.