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Becky T. Kerns, a resident of Summit, N.J., passed on Sept. 28, 2026, at 100. Becky was born in Hollidaysburg, the daughter of Ellis F. and Helen (Powell) Kerns.
A chemistry major earning a BA at Seton Hill College in 1948, Becky was an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Geneva College, Beaver Falls, before earning a MS in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh in 1955. Her time as a Research Information Specialist from 1956 to 1961 at Dow Corning, Midland, Mich., was followed by a 32-year career with the Electronic Component Processes Department at Bell Telephone Laboratories, Murray Hill, N.J.
Becky was a member of the technical team that demonstrated the first successful method to electroplate silver on the waveguides of Telstar, the first communication satellite.
In 1985, Becky was named a Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff, an honor reserved for employees with a record of sustained contributions to technological innovations, at Bell Laboratories. In 2008, Becky received the Seton Hill University Distinguished Alumni Leadership Award, having demonstrated outstanding achievement and leadership in the area of science.
Becky was predeceased by her parents; and brothers, William P. Kerns and Robert E. Kerns.
Surviving are her brother, John H. Kerns of Hermitage, Tenn.; and her sister, Mary-Margaret Kerns of New York, N.Y. Extended family members include nieces, nephews and their families.
In Becky's memory, contributions may be directed to "The Becky Kerns '48 Endowed Scholarship" at Seton Hill University. Contributions may be made payable and sent to: Seton Hill University, 1 Seton Hill Drive, Greensburg, PA, 15601-1599. To make a secure gift online, visit: alumni.setonhill.edu/g/kerns-endowed.