Rebecca M. Wiegand

ILION – Rebecca M. “Becky” (Pestar) Wiegand, age 53, had an unforeseen passing on Sunday, September 17, 2023, in the company of her family.

Born in Ilion on May 26, 1970, Becky was the treasured daughter of Pamela M. “Pam” (Small) Pestar and the late Albert A. “Al” Pestar. She graduated from Ilion High School in 1988, and continued her education, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in education. On October 22, 1993, Becky wed Eric Wiegand. The couple truly were best friends, committed to each other through the ups and downs, never regretting a single moment. They were the completion of each other’s souls and balanced each other’s personalities.

Becky was employed in accounts receivable and billing at Northern Safety, a position she enjoyed and where she made lasting friendships. She was loved by her coworkers and her group considered each other family.

Being her father’s daughter, Becky possessed a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh. She was also incredibly compassionate and loving, and accepted people for who they were. Becky was a lover of animals and gave a home to rescued cats and dogs throughout her life. Through the video game Dungeons and Dragons, her true friends in life were also her crew; the camaraderie truly pleasured her heart and soul. One of her greatest titles was to be called “Aunt,” and was she a great one! It brought her great joy bringing her nieces and nephews out for fun adventures to the Utica Zoo and Herkimer ARC Park. An avid reader, Becky never settled on a particular genre. She gave her attention to Stephen King, religious books and true crime.

One of her most favorite times of the year were Christmas and any holiday she could gather with her family. She brought laughter and a sense of joy to each occasion and everyone appreciated the child in her that reflected how she engaged with her nieces and nephews. In the summer, she enjoyed vacations at the family camp, first on Seventh Lake, then at Evergreen Lake near Piseco in the Adirondacks. Whenever in the beauty of the north country, she and her husband always made it a tradition to have breakfast at Drake’s Inn in Old Forge. Becky possessed a belief and deep faith in God. Listening to K-Love and gospel music brought her great comfort and inspiration.

Becky is survived by her loving husband, Eric; devoted mother, Pam; her siblings and their loves, Rachel Pestar and Sheri McConnell, and Albert “Al,” II and (BK) Bekki Pestar. Her precious memory will be cherished by her nieces and nephews, Jessica Wiegand and Kasim Sakinovic, Katelyn Wiegand and Carl Johnson, Gerry Joseph and Lynsie Wiegand, Jamie Wiegand, Alex Wiegand and Shawn, Isabelle Pestar, Elijah Pestar, Abigal Pestar, Elizabeth Pestar, and Daniel Pestar; great-nieces and great-nephews, Tiana, Blake, Autumn, Harmony, and Nella; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gerry and Janet (Guyer) Wiegand; in-laws, Gerry, Jr. and Tammy Wiegand and Raymond “Ray” Wiegand and Renee Miller. She is further survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins, especially acknowledging Becky Kasper, whom she considered her second mom, and her children, Rob and Kim Pierce, Scott and Linda Pierce, and Renee and Paul Grimes and their families.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 21, 2023 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Enea and Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Rd., Ilion. A brief Prayer Service will commence on Friday, September 22, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow in North Columbia Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Becky’s honor may be made to the Herkimer County Humane Society, 514 State Rte 5S, Mohawk, NY 13407, or online at https://www.herkimerhumanesociety.org/donate/ Envelopes will also be available at the funeral home.

Becky’s funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate Funeral Directors, with sincerest thanks to Nancy, Mike and staff, at the Eannace Funeral Home, for their friendship and guidance.