Rebecca Wilkes

Rebecca T. Wilkes, 49, of Albany, passed away on July 3, 2023, at St. Peter's Hospital surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was born in Albany on March 18, 1974, to Cheryl S. Wilkes and the late George R. Wilkes, Jr.

Rebecca attended Christ the King School and graduated from Guilderland High School. She was a liberal arts major at Siena College and received her certificate in bereavement studies from Maria College. She was an active volunteer in the Whiskers Animal Benevolent League and the Community Hospice Foundation's Wave Riders program for grieving children.

Rebecca was a devoted friend to animals, especially her cats and dogs. She loved camping in the Adirondacks, gardening, boating, swimming, dancing, cooking, comedy and drama shows, music, playing with kids, rescuing animals, and going out to dinner with her family and friends.

Despite a lifelong battle with kidney failure and diabetes, Rebecca never complained about her health and brought light, love, and joy into the lives of others.

Rebecca is survived by her loving husband Matthew J. DeSantis and mother Cheryl. She was the beloved sister of Carolyn A. Wilkes of Guilderland and Brent A. Wilkes and his wife Angela of McLean, Virginia, and sisters-in-law Cara Izzo of Amsterdam and Debbie Tracey of Rotterdam. Rebecca loved her nephews George and John, uncles Chris Wilkes, Bart Wilkes, John Naughter, Jr., and James Naughter, Sr., many aunts and cousins, and best friend Christina Harrigan to whom she was especially close.

Visitation will be held Sunday, July 9, 2023, from 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. with a service to follow at 4:00 p.m. at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd, Colonie, New York.

Memorials are suggested to Whiskers www.ewhiskers.com/donate or Community Hospice Foundation's Wave Riders program hospicegriefservices.com/donate.

To share a memory of Rebecca or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.