Christine M. Becker

ROTTERDAM - Christine "Chris" M. Becker, 72, passed away unexpectedly on October 17, 2024 at Ellis Hospital with her closest friends by her side. She was born at that same hospital on December 6, 1951, and spent her life in Schenectady, NY creating a large, loving community all around her. Chris was the daughter of the late Francis and Helen Becker.

After graduating from Notre Dame High School in Schenectady, NY, class of 1969, she then studied Sociology at the College of St. Rose, graduating in 1973. She was a dedicated employee of the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance for her entire career, finally retiring in 2007. 

Chris was known for her passion for music and her ear was keen for percussion in particular. As a child, Chris became ill with whooping cough and in her time at home started finding ways to make music right in her kitchen, sitting on the floor with her parent’s pots and pans splayed around her having her first documented jam session. From there she never stopped drumming. She was never afraid to get up on a stage, joining many bands throughout her youth such as The Paper Bag and The Warm Response. While her band days (and her van) retired after 30 years, her drumming never did. She and Debbie always had a drum set and keyboard ready to play their rendition of “Do You Know What I Mean” by Lee Michaels or just a fun catchy tune to go along with her epic and beloved altered cartoons.

Chris also had a talent for girls’ softball and played shortstop on a Rotterdam girls league and later, after college, on a team at her work as well. While in a bowling league at Boulevard Bowl, she maintained the women’s highest average for several seasons. 

Chris has also been a part of the special moments of so many. She was by Debbie’s side for end-of-life care of her mother, and drove 3 hours each way to welcome Debbie’s first grandbaby. Then over the years welcomed five more. She became “Aunt Chris” to many of her close friends’ children and loved being a part of their lives. Chris also enjoyed many seasons of wine making with Joan and Joan’s brother, Paul.

Despite her deep roots in Schenectady, she never hesitated to get out of town for an adventure. She was dedicated to her trips with Debbie and Joan to Cape Cod every June and September, spending days walking the beach and eating delicious seafood and nights sitting around the firepit sipping cocktails. She also loved the opportunity to cat sit for Debbie’s daughter, Heidi, in NYC and spend her days with friends finding amazing culinary experiences or eccentric displays of art, and never shying from a Broadway show. Chris loved her trips to Colorado, Jamaica, Mexico, Bahamas, Utah, Alaska, Hawaii and many more places. She enjoyed downhill skiing, especially in Park City, Utah where she loved resting at the end of the day with a margarita in her hand. 

Coming from a small family, she immersed herself fully into many people’s lives. She was a devout Catholic and lifelong communicant of St. Madeleine Sophie Church. Her good nature would shine through her love of music and endless compassion to those who knew her well.

She was a part of our lives every day. If it snowed and she was out clearing, yours probably got cleared too. She had a warm heart that had room for whoever wanted a spot and her absence will leave a void that may never fully heal.

Chris is survived by her brother David (Lynda) Becker Sr., her nephew David (Melissa) Becker Jr. and their children Madeleine, Abigaile, Aneila and Alexis, and her niece Holly Becker. She was also surrounded by a loving extended family including close friends Debra Fusco, Joan Pflieger, Jean (Mike) Michaniw, Adam (Carmella) Fusco and their children Mariana and Olivia, Heidi Fusco (Orin Chait) and their daughter Maya, Lisa (Mark) Bystry and their children Aryana, Beau, and Kayleigh, Paul (Donna) Willsey, Nate (Erin) Willsey and their children Henry and Charlie Joan, Marissa (Jason) Brinson and their children Joshua and Levi, Ryan (Amber) Michaniw and their son Oliver, Susan (Eric) Dratler and their son Josh, Patty Montone, Bette Michaniw, Paula Harbour, Annette Heilman, and many more.

Calling hours will be at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road in Colonie on Friday, October 25th from 2 to 4 p.m., with a small service by Father Belogi at 4 p.m.

Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Schenectady, NY at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Chris’s memory to the Colonie Senior Service Centers, Inc., Six Winners Circle, Albany, NY 12205 or colonieseniors.org.