Mary Judy Becker

Mary Judy Becker, age 98, of Bath, NY formerly of Prattsburgh, NY passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 27th, 2016 with family by her side at the Fred & Harriett Taylor Health Center in Bath, NY where she had been a resident.
Judy, as she was known by friends and family, was born on August 1st, 1918 in Windber, Pennsylvania; the daughter of the late John and Mary (Jenosky) Welgan. Her family moved to Bath, NY when she was a child. She graduated from Bath High School in 1938. She was a member of St. Mary's Church in Bath until she moved to Prattsburgh in 1973 where she became a member of St. Patrick's Church there. She absolutely loved the Finger Lakes region of the country; expressing many times that she lived in the most beautiful part of the US. Judy loved being outdoors, and loved to garden and care for her beautiful flowers and lawn. She would even grow plants from seedlings that she started in her own greenhouse. Spring was her favorite time of the year – when the flowers were blooming and she could see the return of her favorite bird, the cardinal. One of Judy's greatest pleasures in life was doing for others – usually by baking and knitting, two of her favorite indoor hobbies. She had such a collection of yarn when she moved from her home in Prattsburgh, that when she donated it to the Narcissa Prentiss House, it took three trips to move it all!
Judy was an employee of the Steuben County Highway Department in Bath until her retirement in 1979.
Judy is survived by her daughter, Christine B. Ensley of Covington, GA; step sons, Louis F. Becker Jr. (Jerilyn) of Spencerport, NY, Miles Becker of Oswego, NY and John Becker (Joan) of Rockville, MD; Grandchildren, Bryan Martin (Megan) of Woodbury, GA; Rachel Ensley Queen (Mitchell) of Rome, GA; Heath Ensley (Rebecca) of Hampton, GA; Jeff Walsh (Marilou) of Penfield, NY; Erin Walsh of Brockport, NY; Kristin Ward (Christopher Scott) of Penfield, NY; and 8 Great Grandchildren, her sister, Sophia Hofer of Thurmont, MD; many nieces and nephews whom she loved so much. She is also survived by her very close friend, Joanne Donovan of Prattsburgh, NY. Joanne was like a second daughter to Judy and was a special part of her life for many years. In addition to her parents, Judy was predeceased by her husbands, Richard E. Brewer in November, 1967; and Louis F. Becker Sr. in March, 1999 and 2 babies, Michael David Brewer in March 1954 and Gary Michael Brewer in May, 1955. She was also predeceased by her brothers, Michael, John Nicholas, Joseph and Andrew Welgan; her sister, Anne Crittenden; her son in law, William Mark Ensley.
Judy's family wishes to especially thank the staff of Fred & Harriett Taylor Health Center who has surrounded her with love and care for the last 18 months. Also, a thank you to Nadene Bates and her family at Cairn Cottage in Bath, NY where Judy was a resident prior to moving to Taylors.
Judy brought sunshine to the lives of those who knew her and loved her. She will truly be missed for her loving nature, her beautiful smile, her uplifting attitude and her spunky, sassy sense of humor!!
The family is planning a celebration of Judy's life as well as a Mass at St. Patrick's Church in Prattsburgh at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Judy's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or to The Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org. These charities were always very close to Judy's heart.
Friends and family may share condolences and memories of Judy at www.bottoni-wood.com.