Mrs. Rebecca S. Chast

April 6, 1952 - October 9, 2017

Rebecca S. Chast of Athens, NY, passed away the evening of October 9th, 2017 after battling a brief illness. Rebecca (Becky) was born on April 6th of 1952 in Albany,NY to Kenneth W. Payne Sr and Patricia A. Payne. Becky grew up in Coxsackie, NY as the oldest of three children, leading the way for her sister Deborah and brother Kenneth Jr. She graduated from Coxsackie-Athens High School in 1970 and then went to Austin Beauty School to become a licensed beautician. On May 12th, 1973 she married Peter M. Chast and they had two children, Stephen (1974) and Mark (1977). As her children got older she decided to continue her education and eventually became a Teacher’s Assistant at Athens Elementary and later at Coxsackie-Athens Middle School where she retired from. She always enjoyed learning and even started studying Judo with both of her sons, eventually earning a 2nd degree black belt at Athens Judo Club before turning to other pursuits. Later in life Becky enjoyed many hobbies. She met regularly with her Saturday morning knitting group at the local library. She also started woodworking with the Northeastern Woodworkers Association and entered many shows in the past few years. She learned to ride a motorcycle shortly before her retirement and later even took up target shooting with her pink handled pistol. Probably her greatest joy later in life were her two granddaughters. Becky is survived by her mother Patricia, husband Peter, sons Stephen and Mark, granddaughters Abigail and Natalie, sister Deborah and brother Kenneth Jr and many nieces and nephews. Friends and Family are cordially invited to a viewing at Richards Funeral Home, 28 N. Vernon St., Athens, NY 12015 on Monday evening, October 16th 2017 from 4-7PM with services at 6:30PM for Family. The cremation will happen Tuesday and ashes will be distributed among the family. Condolences may be made at www.richardsfuneralhomeinc.net.