Bernice M. Hockenbury

McKOWNVILLE – Bernice Mary Cehowski Hockenbury, 92, of McKownville, passed away on Monday, March 7, 2022 at St. Peter’s Hospital.  Bernie was born in Watervliet, and was a graduate of Immaculate Conception School and Watervliet High School, where she was a member of the Thalian Society.  She was employed by attorney Joseph D. Foley, Esq., and later by the Niagara Mohawk Power Corp., where she met her husband Bob.  Bernie and Bob married on August 27, 1955 in the Immaculate Conception Church in Watervliet.

Bernie took great pride in raising her three children and then spending many happy years with her three grandsons, taking great pride in all their accomplishments.  “Family first” was the motto of Bernie and Bob. She also earned the degree of PHT (Putting Hubby Through ) while Bob was working and going to college.

Bernie loved tending her flower garden and solving crossword puzzles.  She also was very proud of her Polish heritage, and followed many Polish traditions, including her Polish cooking and polka dances, but also the jitterbug.  She served as a library aide at Westmere Elementary School, and she and Bob loved vacationing in Cape Cod, Maine and the Adirondacks.

Bernie is survived by her beloved husband of over 66 years, Dr Robert W. Hockenbury; her children John Hockenbury (Kathy) of Selkirk, Beth Maney (Tom) of Colonie, and Judy Peplowski (Mark) of Clifton Park; her grandsons Sean and Brett Maney and Matthew Hockenbury; and by many nieces and nephews.  Bernie is also survived by her brother-in-law Thomas Hockenbury of Guilderland (Carole predeceased). She was predeceased by her siblings and their spouses Stanley (Olga), John (Rose), and Edward (Dorothy) Cehowski, and Catherine Chiplock (Bill) and Irene Kozimor (Frank).

Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Saturday  morning at 8:15 a.m., and from there to All Saints Catholic Church, 16 Homestead St., Albany (behind CVS).  Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Friday from 4-7 p.m.  Due to family health considerations, kindly wear a mask when attending the services.  Interment will be in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Watervliet.  To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.