Obituary of Florence E. Beckett Baird

Mrs. Florence "Becky" E. Beckett Baird, 90, of Saratoga Springs, passed away on Thursday August 20, 2009. Becky was born on June 13, 1919, in Camden, NJ, daughter of the late Edith and Albert Beckett. She received a scholarship to Temple University in Philadelphia, PA and graduated in 1940. Becky was one of four students that were voted outstanding out of a class of 1, 000 students. In 1943, Becky entered the first class of the U.S. Coast Guard spar training program at the C.G. Academy in New Loudon, CT. Upon completion of her training she was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Coast Guard. Becky then went on to Mt. Holyoke College to receive instruction in communications procedures. She was then sent to the Washington D.C. Coast Guard Headquarters Communications Division to receive coded messages from submarines at sea and de-code them. Her next task was to go on to Atlantic City, to the C.G. Radio Training Station. She was to assist setting up a program that would allow spars to replace radiomen who were going shipboard, as well as to replace the men in the shore stations. Becky was then sent to C.G. Headquarters in Washington D.C. to be the Chief Communications Officer's assistant. She remained there until the end of WWII. Becky retired in 1946. She traveled the world and enjoyed so many life experiences. She loved being a mother and homemaker. An elegant piano player, she played at church and a variety of community events. She also taught piano. Becky loved knitting. She shared many of her items with family and a number of friends she met traveling. Becky always considered the library a most wonderful resource. An avid reader, she especially appreciated the Saratoga Springs library. Gardening was another special interest and she participated in many local community gardening events through the years. Becky was married to William E. Baird on April 6, 1946. He pre-deceased her in 2008.Survivors include her loving children: Steven Jo-Ann De Mila Baird of E. Hartford Ct., Nancy Baird of Colchester Ct., and Anne Baird of Saratoga Springs. She is also survived by a brother, Albert Beckett of Sacramento CA., grandchildren; Rebecca Smith, Ian Baird and Jessica Mibbs; great-grandchildren; Robert and Abigail Mibbs. Becky was pre-deceased by a daughter, Ellen Baird Carolin and a brother Donald Beckett. Becky's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Wesley Staff, Dr. Richard Farrell, Debra and Jeff Johnson, Sherry, Michael and Pauline Svec, and a multitude of friends and neighbors for your warmth and compassion. A graveside service for urn burial of Becky and William will take place with military honors, 1 pm Saturday October 3, 2009 at Ferndale Cemetery, 545 N. Perry St. Johnstown, N.Y. Expressions of sympathy in her memory may be made to the Mohawk and Hudson River Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave. Menands, N.Y. 12204. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont St. Gloversville.