Fay Lucille Bechmann

Fay was born in Hanover, Pennsylvania on August 2, 1928 to Grace and Jacob Huggens. She spent her childhood in Hanover, Pennsylvania, and graduated in 1950 from Hood College in Frederick Maryland with a degree in education.

Switching career paths, Fay moved to Wayne, PA to work for Travelers Insurance. In 1966, at 37, Fay married William (Bill) Howard Bechmann at the St. David’s Episcopal Church in Wayne. They spent many weekends at Islands Heights, NJ, where their 18' Alacrity sailboat was docked, sailing Toms River. Bill was an accomplished sailer (a former Navy man) and supported Fay as she completed her Coast Guard seamanship course. They enjoyed many outdoor activities, including skiing and one winter traveled to Switzerland and Austria with the Buck Ridge Ski Club. Their first child, Elizabeth (Beth), was born in 1967, and their second, Susan (Sue), followed shortly after in 1969. During this period starting their family, Bill was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Fay cared for her family as mother, caregiver, and provider – always smiling and never showing the strain that it undoubtedly created. She continued to ensure life was ‘normal’ for her girls and enjoyable for her husband during his illness.

There were many family trips to California to see Fay’s parents, and older brother Gene, who worked as a cinematographer in Anaheim. Fay being a die-hard Phillies fan ensured her girls were brought up correctly taking them to Phillies games every weekend. A true highlight for Fay was when the Phillies clinched the World Series in 1980.

Later, as an empty-nester approaching 70, Fay continued to travel with trips to North Carolina, Utah, Florida, Alaska, and Hawaii. And many trips to St. Louis to see her first grandchild, Henry. She enjoyed numerous years staying active – often walking the 5-mile round-trip to town for a treat at her local Starbucks. Fay was a gifted letter and card writer, and Peanuts puzzle enthusiast – completing more than 50 Peanuts puzzles. She was an avid reader of civil war history, and Gettysburg held a special place in her heart.

In 2015, at the age of 87, Fay reluctantly retired from H.A. Thomson, to pursue her favorite hobby – cheering Philly sports teams – a diehard Phillies fan to the end.

Fay is preceded in death by her husband, Bill who died from Parkinson’s Disease in 1985. As well as her daughter Beth who passed away just weeks before her 30th birthday. Fay is survived by her daughter Sue, and her two grandchildren, Elsie and Henry. She will forever be missed.