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.
Kathy Franze Wilson
Judy, Kathy and family
I’m so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences
Love, Kathy and Bob
Dear Hockenbury Family’s! We are so sorry to hear the Passing of Your Wife, Mother, Mother In Law and Grandmother! Mrs Hockenbury was Truly a Sweet, Loving and Happy Lady with a smile at all times! We Pray, all the Love she has for all of You, will carry You through these difficult times! She will ALWAYS be with You All!!
Robert Block
Dear Bob and family,
So sorry to learn of Bernie’s death. She was a great gal and will very much be missed. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Bob Block
Steve Semerad
I am so sorry for your loss of Bernie .. her charm, grace, humor and of course fabulous polka dancing brought a smile to my heart. When I was fortunate enough to see her and/or Bob out in the garden she always seemed pleased to visit and then encourage Bob to drive me back to my office so I wouldn’t be late!
My heart goes out to the entire family at this difficult time.
Robert Perlmuter
Dear Beth and family So very sorry for your loss. Know in your hearts that she lives there always. Sincerest condolences
Rhonda
Ann Foley DiNuzzo
To the Hockenbury Family:
My condolences on the loss of Bernice. I didn’t know her, but was impressed by her fine life. Her first employer was my father, Joseph D. Foley, Corporation Counsel of Watervliet. He died in 1957. It made me happy to see that someone remembered him after so many years had passed. Thanks for being so kind. I will say a prayer for Bernice. Ann Foley DiNuzzo, 66 West Glenwood Dr.,Latham, NY 12110