TROY – Loretta M. Washock, 75, of Troy, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, September 20, 2015. Loretta was the daughter of the late Thomas B. and Bertha (Orr) McNeff. She was born July 29, 1940 in Coney Island Hospital, Brooklyn. She moved to Watervliet when she was 5 years old and grew up in the Port Schuyler area until she married her husband, the late Donald F. Washock, and moved to Troy. She was a graduate of St. Bridget’s School, and Watervliet High School, and worked for Capital Off Track Betting for over 35 years. She was one of the first employees of OTB, and retired as a Senior Vault Keeper, Wynantskill Branch.
All the kids in the neighborhood referred to her lovingly as Mom or Gram. Her greatest joy was her family and she loved spending holidays with the extended family, always hosting an unforgettable Christmas Eve celebration. Mom loved all things Polish, whether it was cooking Golumpkis for 100 people, or hand-making costumes for the PAC Polkateers. In 1976 Mom painted many hydrants across Troy to celebrate the US Bicentennial. She designed and handmade the Polish American Club’s 50th anniversary float for the Troy Flag Day parade. Mom was also a huge Boston Red Sox Fan.
Mom loved her great grandchild Makayla and lived for the Friday night sleepovers. She was loved by all who met her, and was a gentle soul who saw only the good in everyone she knew. She was adored for her contagious smile and witty quick responses. Mom will be greatly missed by her companion, her dog Trinity. She was a faithful believer in Christ, but rather than speaking about her faith, she demonstrated her faith in how she loved and sacrificed for everyone.
Loretta was predeceased by her husband Donald F. Washock and her son Donald P. Washock. She is survived by her children Debbie (Mark) Barnes of Brunswick, Thomas (Lynn) Washock of Newtonville, Dee (Joe) Twiss of Troy, Matthew (Cathy) Washock of Simpsonville, SC and Daniel (Suzette) Washock of East Greenbush; her daughter in law Colleen Washock of Niskayuna; her brother George McNeff(Sally); her sisters Patricia Muller, and Carolyn Thomas; her sisters in law Elaine McNeff and Karen McNeff; and by 17 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren (and another due in January). She was also predeceased by her brothers John McNeff, and Thomas McNeff; and her brother in law Kenneth Muller.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday morning at 9:00am in All Saints Catholic Church, 16 Homestead St., Albany (behind CVS). Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Thursday from 4-7 pm. A celebration of Loretta’s life will be held Thursday evening at 7pm in the funeral home. Interment will follow the mass Friday morning in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Donation & Transplant, 218 Great Oaks Blvd, Albany, NY 12203. To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Paula (Sodorsky) Taylor
Tom, Debbie, Dee, Matt and Danny, so sorry for the loss of your mom, I have such fond memories of her growing up. May her memories be held close and she will always be with you.
chris and theresa martin
My condolences to the whole family on the loss of your mother, grandmother and just an overall great woman and human being. Such a beautiful lady and now you are with your husband and one of my best friends Donny who was taken to soon. May you rest in piece. You will be missed. Luv ya
Kimberly Prefore
Debbie and Mark,
My sincere condolences on the passing of your Mom. What an amazing woman! I smiled reading the entire obituary. Debbie, you are your Mom’s clone in every way and I’m sure you made her very proud. I know you have a sense of relief that she is no longer suffering, yet such a loss is such a traumatic shock to our heart, no matter how prepared we are. However, we all have to take that road home alone and until we meet again, we must continue to live full lives exactly the way they would want us to. That’s how we honor them and continue to make them proud. Debbie and Mark, you are two of the most remarkable people I have ever met in this path called “life”. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this very strained and difficult time. Soon you will be smiling again as memories of your Mom come flooding into everyday living. And it will most likely be the “little things”, which are always the best! Memories are our gift and she was such a special one.
All my love and friendship always…Kim
Vinny Pagano
Deb, Tom, Dee, Matt and Dan . Sorry to hear about your mom what a great lady. I know its hard just lost my Dad last month but you just have to think about all the good times you had together. Laugh and cry and celebrate her life.