SLINGERLANDS – Bernice “Bernie” Estelle Valentine, age 89, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at St. Peter’s Hospice Inn, after a brief illness. She was born on August 21, 1931 in Cohoes, New York to Gabrielle Estelle Belanger and Arthur Alix Hervieux. Bernie lost her mom as a young child and Arthur (Gee Gee) later married Blanche Aline Blair (Nana) who was a loving mother to Bernice. Bernie graduated from Keveny Memorial Academy in Cohoes and attended a two-year Business School in Troy. Bernie married Donald Wahrlich in 1950. They later moved to North Bethlehem, NY where they raised four children. She worked for the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) for 27 years. She met, and in 1981 married, her husband Daniel Valentine. They traveled, camped, bowled, golfed and danced their way through life, until his passing in 2019. Bernie was a devout Catholic who for decades added her lovely voice to the Saint Margaret Mary’s Church choir.
Bernie loved life! She was a strong and beautiful woman who enjoyed shopping, gardening, reading, crafting, traveling and socializing with her girlfriends. She was a member of the Red Hat Society. Bernie was a dedicated mother first and foremost, who especially loved her role as Mim. Mom was the first person you wanted to call with good (or bad) news. She always knew what to say and we valued her humor, insight, honesty and candor. She loved unconditionally. She was very involved and proud of all of her childrens’ and grandchildrens’ accomplishments. Bernie taught her children the importance of friendship. She was well loved by all who knew her and will be missed by many.
Bernie will be lovingly remembered by her children, Paula Johannessen (Howie), Richard Wahrlich (Diana), David Wahrlich (Melina) and Sally McCarthy (Eric). Mim was also the most cherished grandmother of Sara Mooney (Chris), Cory Johannessen (Cate), Brian Wahrlich (Bobby Uzel), Andrew Wahrlich (Emily), Melissa Dudley (Chris), Michelle Andrews (John), Stephanie Owens (Torrey), Arica McCarthy and Cole McCarthy. She also delighted in her role as great-grandmother to Simon, Willa, Mae and Arlo Mooney.
A private service will be held for the immediate family on Saturday, January 30, 2021, in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Cohoes. To view a video after the service, or to leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.hansfuneralhome.com/bernice-e-valentine/ . There will be a memorial mass and celebration of Bernie’s life at a future date.
For those who would like to make a special gift in memory of Bernice, donations may be made supporting the Pediatric Low Grade Glioma Association through her grandson’s Pan-Mass Challenge Fundraiser electronically at (http://profile.pmc.org/CJ0080) or by mail (Cory Johannessen 66977-1) Pan-Mass Challenge, 77 Fourth Ave., Needham, MA 02494. 100% of all donations go to research on this disease. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hans Funeral Home, Albany.
Suzanne Hervieux
Our Deepest Condolences to a very Special Loving Family. So glad we had the chance to spend time with Mom and Dan
At several String Theory events.
Mom would save chairs for us, so that could be together and visit with the family..dance and living the life.. always Great Memories. Love to All
Cindy Bisner
Sending my sincerest condolences to the family. So many wonderful memories with your Mom and the entire family. She was such a great lady and yes, loved by so many. So honored that I could call her my Godmother. Love to all!
marian thomas
Paula, Ricky, David and Sally….so so sorry for your loss…I always loved your mom….may she rest in peace now…
Ken & Nan Schultz
What a beautiful tribute to your Mom who was a beautiful person. We are left with wonderful memories of her. Sincerest condolences to the entire family on Bernice’s loss. Love, Nan & Ken
Lori Hummel (Elacqua)
This is such a wonderful tribute to your beautiful mom. I have such fond memories of your whole family and your mom’s kindness. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Rosemary Perez
Paula, Howie & Family,
We were so sorry to hear that your mom passed away. I remember your mom when we were next door neighbors in West Sand Lake. Such a nice lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. Fondly, Rose & Hilton.
Barbara A. Carr
I offer deep sympathy and prayers to Berniece’s children and family. Although Berniece and I have not met in may years, I well remember her as my early neighbor and playmate, “on the Island” in Cohoes and later in Keveny Academy.
She was always especially enthusiastic and fun to be with. Your love for Berniece is demonstrated in the beautiful, loving obituary I read yesterday. I know she will be so missed. May she rest in peace with the Lord.
toni dybowski
Dear Paula and all of Bernie’s family, So very sorry to hear of the passing of this beautiful Lady. She and Dan were great friends. Wonderful memories of times we spent camping with them, vacationing with them in Venice Fl., playing golf, going out to dinner , especially the Italian American Restaurant. No matter what we did together it was always so much fun. And of course we’ll always remember Dan and his harmonica. They had a wonderful life and she will be so missed by so many.
Murray Caplan
Dear Paula, Rick, David, Sally, and Wonderful Family: My sincere condolences on the passing of your dear mother/grandmother. She was always so kind to me and so much fun to be with! I see so much of your wonderful mother in each of you and it’s such a testament to the great job she did raising you. Your mother put so much effort into her work and her family, but she still always had a smile on her face, a positive attitude, and an obvious appreciation and enjoyment of her family and her life. Her inner beauty radiated and complemented her outer beauty! I will never forget her! Love, Murray
Joanie Cipriano
Berni was a wonderful and beautiful lady. We were blessed to have known her. We so enjoyed the elks camp out with she and Dan. Always love and laughter. Sorry for your loss.
Patty (Elacqua) McIntyre
This tribute brings back so many wonderful memories of a beautiful, kind , loving woman. She came into my family’s life at the perfect time and I will always be grateful for that! Rest In Peace sweet Bernice.