Loretta M. Washock

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.

Click here to view Loretta’s resting place in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands, NY (zip code Albany, NY 12204).