Obituary of Judith Buechele

Judith Buechele, 81, of Poughkeepsie passed away peacefully on January 19^th at the Lutheran Care Center in Poughkeepsie. At her side, prior to reaching the gates of heaven were her two daughters Heather and Betsy and her best friend Karen Bahrenburg.

Judith was born on February 14, 1942 to Virgil and Evelyn Knight. She later married the late Alvin Buechele on January 30^th, 1965.

Judith was predeceased by her sister Barbara Hansen and her brother Virgil knight.

Judy, as she wished to be called is survived by her son Tim who has resided in Hammond Louisiana for over 30 years. Daughter Heather and her husband Joe DiNardo, their children Kaitlin and Jaheem plus great grandson Parker all hail from Palenville. Daughter Betsy Stone and her children Isabella, Trent, Luke, and Addison reside in Albany.

Judy’s professional career began once all 3 children were in school. She started out as the Office Manager for the Unitarian Fellowship in Poughkeepsie. While in the employ of the Fellowship, it was here she met Dr. Walter Engel DDS. Walter immediately picked up on Judy’s warm people skills and organizational qualities, offering her a career opportunity with his practice. She accepted the position and subsequently gave him 27 years of commitment as an Office Manager.

Judy’s life of giving and nurturing began early on. At Overlook Elementary School she was PTA President. She was one of the few “regularly requested room mothers.” A planner for the beloved ice cream socials, a coordinator & judge for the bicycle rodeos with her loving husband Alvin and a regular at the movie nights.

She was an active den mother in her son’s scout troop and with her daughters in girl scouts and brownies.

Early on, summers were spent together as family camping in the Adirondacks with the favorites being Lake Sacandaga and Lake George. Husband Alvin was the love of her life and there was always an emphasis on “the family.” Her husband Al also brought the family almost every year to Hershey Pennsylvania, Amish Country for one of the nation’s larger antique car shows.

Home Bureau was something she did for herself, she so loved crafts and cooking. Bird-watching also brought her much joy, and the Red Cardinal was a favorite. She loved having feeders at her window.

Not one to ever sit idle and always wanting to help, she became a literacy volunteer teaching countless folk how to read and write. She was a passionate reader.

Faith was very important too. Judy and her husband were both active vestry members at St. Pauls Episcopal Church in Pleasant Valley. Their ability to communicate, together, openly with young people made them natural Youth Group leaders and Sunday school instructors as well.

As time went on, Judy spent many summers with her husband as they found a very special place oceanside in their condo in New Hampshire on Hampton Beach.

As her husband’s health declined Judy immersed herself in an Alzheimer’s Peer Support Group trying to help others understand the disease that took her husband at age 62.

All who knew Judy will tell you without question she was happiest, smiling ear to ear when next to her beloved Alvin and surrounded by her children, grandchildren & great grandchild. The remaining family have much peace now knowing there is no more pain and their parents have been reunited.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 26, 2024 from 4pm till 8 pm at Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, 371 Hooker Ave Poughkeepsie, New York.  A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 11am at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Pleasant Valley. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her honor to St. Paul's Episcopal Church. 

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