Regina Gertrude Cogan Becht, 87, left this life peacefully with her family by her side, September 25, 2009.

Jean was born on July 14, 1922 in Brooklyn, New York to Gertrude Regina and Paul Francis Cogan.

Jean graduated St. Joseph's College and attended Columbia University graduate school and later taught English.

She married US Air Force Lt. Col. Joseph Edward Becht on October 1, 1949 and moved to Lexington, Virginia, where they raised seven children.

Jean was an active member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, the Lexington Women's Club and the Lexington Garden Club (over 50 years). She enjoyed tennis, field hockey, golf, bridge, travel, her friends and family.

Jean was predeceased by her loving husband, Joe of 49 years; her parents, Gertrude and Paul; her brother, Paul and her sister Agnes.

Jean is survived by her sister, Rosemary Lambert of White Plains, NY; her seven children: Anne Kavanaugh (William), Fernandina, FL; Joseph Becht (Suzanne), Richmond, VA; John Becht, Richmond, VA; Mary Blalock, Fernandina, FL; Paul Becht (Audrey), Atlanta, GA; Clare Semler, Virginia Beach, VA and Rosemarie Jowdy, Richmond, VA; seventeen grandchildren, Hardee, Jamie, Sarah, Molly Kavanaugh, Lindsey, Richard, Julia, Jeremy Becht, Meredith, Catie, Laura, Stuart Blalock, Cogan, Colin, Megan, Jake Semler and Andy Jowdy, Jr.; and four great grandchildren, Kate, Will, Anna and Hinton Kavanaugh.

The family welcomes friends Thursday, October 1st 5 p.m.-7 p.m. at Harrison's Funeral Home with Father Joe D'Auora officiating the Rosary Prayer. The mass funeral service will be held at St. Patrick's Church on Friday, October 2nd at 11 a.m. with a private family burial service at Stonewall Jackson Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick's Catholic Church.

Arrangements are being handled by the Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, Virginia.