Mary Jean (Jane) Kirch Becraft

CHAUMONT-  Mary Jean (Jane) Kirch Becraft, 95, of Witt Road passed away early Monday May 27, 2024 at Albany Medical Center, Albany, N.Y.

Mary had 12 children (of which 3 are now deceased) and they are as follows: John T. Becraft III and Rosalie of Sylvan Beach, Lawrence R. and Joanne Becraft of Rome, Bruce A. and Kimberly Becraft of Camden, Lorelei E. Yeman of Oneida, Deborah L. and Lawrence Richmond of Oneida, Christopher F. and Gina Becraft of Oneida, Robert L. Becraft of Watertown, Brian L. Becraft of Chaumont, Leon W. Becraft and his companion Yvonne of Watertown; many (90+) grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins.  She is predeceased by her husband, John T. Becraft Jr.; three children, Russell L. Becraft, Lela J. Rich, and Dewey D. Becraft; her siblings, Wilbur Kirch, Bernard Kirch, Beverly Robbins, and Doris Reed.

Mary was born on August 16, 1928 in the Town of Martinsburg, NY, daughter of the late Lawrence and Lenora Hilts Kirch and attended a one room schoolhouse in Belfort and later got her GED.  On December 23, 1944, she married John T. Becraft Jr. at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, Dexter.  Mary raised her twelve children and when her youngest was three she attended Madison County BOCES for nursing, earning her LPN license.  She worked in nursing until 1985, lastly at the Madonna Home in Watertown.  Mary later cleaned homes for professional families in the Watertown area, becoming close with them and their children and continued to keep a strong bond with them always.  Mr. Becraft passed away on September 9, 1993.

Most of all, Mary loved her family and cherished her time with each of them.  She was known to make fantastic pies, loved her flower and vegetable gardens, and especially loved to read.  Mary enjoyed watching her birds, loved her cats Bandit and Lela, and was a true bingo fanatic.  She will truly be missed by her family and friends.

Mary’s family and River of Life Fellowship would like to welcome everyone to a meal to be held on Saturday June 8, 2024 at 12:30 p.m. at River of Life Fellowship, Copenhagen.  A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the church with Pastor George Gray officiating.  There will be no calling hours.  Burial will be in Dexter Cemetery immediately following the Celebration of Life Service, all are welcome.  Contributions may be made in memory of Mary to Dexter Fire Department, 100 Locke Street, Dexter, NY 13634 or the Dexter Free Library, 120 E. Kirby Street, Dexter, NY 13634.  Both of these charities were near and dear to Mary’s heart.

Condolences may be made online at www.isenekerfuneralhome.com.

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