Elaine Bechtold

SAUGERTIES – Elaine M Bechtold, 88, of Austin Ave., died Saturday, September 6th, at her residence. Born August 1, 1937 in Saugerties, NY. She was the daughter of the late Andrew and Mary Kuriplach Baran.  She was graduate of Saugerties High School class of 1956.  

Elaine married her husband John of 64 years on June 10, 1961 at Quarryville Church. John predeceased Elaine on August 21, 2025

A Saugerties resident for her entire life, Elaine was employed at IBM as a secretary. Elaine became a stay-at-home Mom with the birth of her first child.  She was a lifetime member of St. Joseph's RC Church, where she supported the church by volunteering when there were opportunities to do so. Elaine was also a member of the Saugerties Columbiettes.  She was well known for helping and taking care of others. She provided many meals and sweet treats to others, including her famous “Chocolate Cake”. Elaine also sent cards for every holiday and anytime someone needed words of support, this included her saving clippers from the local paper and mailing to friends or family out of state. There were several friends she would chat with on the phone several times a day.

Survivors include a son, Matthew and his wife Beth Bechtold of Saugerties and a daughter, Monica and her husband Ron Turcotte of Londonderry, New Hampshire.  Three grandsons: Brendan, Douglas (Ashley) and Louis also survive. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Besides her husband John who passed away on August 21, 2025 Elaine is predeceased by her parents and siblings, William, Steve, John and Vera.  

The family would like to thank Dr. Kyaw and the staff at Bridge St Medical, their support over the last several years has been invaluable. The aides who have helped us as a family keep Elaine at home. Hudson Valley Hospice for their support during Elaine’s final days. And the countless friends who have supported the family over the years.

Her Funeral Procession will form 9:15 am Tuesday at the Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home, Inc.  Cor. of John & Lafayette Sts., Saugerties thence to St. Joseph's RC Church where at 10am a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered.  Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery.   Friends will be received on Monday from 4p

m-7pm.   

Family suggestions donations in her memory be made to St Mary’s/Joseph Church 36 Cedar St, Saugerties, NY 12477, People’s Place 17 St James St, Kingston, NY 12401 and Hudson Valley Hospice 153 Sawkill Rd, Kingston, NY 12401   Expressions of condolence may be shared with the family on Elaine's Tribute Wall at SeamonWilseyFuneralHome.com

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