Dr. Rebekah Hand Pindzola
August 30, 1953- March 29, 2025
Dr. Rebekah Hand Pindzola, 71, passed away on March 29, 2025, in Auburn, Alabama. A devoted scholar, educator, and family matriarch, she leaves behind a legacy of academic excellence and personal strength that touched countless lives.
Born August 30, 1953, in Greensboro, North Carolina, Rebekah was the daughter of LaVerne Hand and Frank Hand, Sr. After graduating from Grimsley High School, she pursued higher education with determination and distinction. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from East Carolina University in Speech Pathology following one year at North Carolina State University. She then went on to complete her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at the University of Tennessee Knoxville in the same field.
As Professor Emerita at Auburn University, Rebekah’s contributions to the field of speech pathology were both profound and far-reaching. In addition to publishing numerous academic and peer-reviewed papers, Rebekah co-authored several textbooks that continue to influence students and professionals alike with wide adoption at universities. The publisher translated several versions of her textbooks for international sales, most notably in South Korea. Her leadership roles included serving as Department Head of Communication Disorders and also as Dean of Liberal Arts, where she mentored faculty and students with unwavering commitment.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Rebekah was known for her strong-minded independence and caring nature. She was a proud mother to two children: Michael Pindzola and Sarah Nixon. Her love extended deeply to her four grandchildren: Ella Pindzola, Zander Pindzola, Wallace Nixon, and Chester Nixon, whose lives she enriched with warmth and wisdom. She also shared a devoted partnership with her husband Michael “Mitch” Pindzola throughout their 41 years together. Her brother Frank Hand, Jr., remains among those who will cherish her memory.
She was preceded in death by her late sister LaVerne Kelly, her mother LaVerne Hand, and her father Frank Hand, Sr.
Rebekah found joy in life’s simple pleasures—crafting with care and creativity, cheering passionately for Auburn sports teams, and following Braves baseball with enthusiasm. These hobbies reflected the vibrant spirit she brought into every aspect of her life.
A graveside service honoring Rebekah’s life will be held Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Town Creek Cemetery, located at 1150 S Gay St., Auburn, Alabama 36830. A commemorative dinner reception for family will be held on May 9 at Saugahatchee Country Club. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be sent to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the American Cancer Society.
After courageously fighting a decades-long struggle with cancer, Rebekah is finally resting in peace. May the memory of Dr. Rebekah Hand Pindzola bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.