Obituary of Bernice Estelle Pechenik

Bernice E. Pechenik died on Friday, October 25, 2013 at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Albany, New York. She was pre-deceased by her devoted husband of almost 50 years, Martin Pechenik. She leaves behind her beloved daughters, Janis Pechenik of Nassau, New York and Marcia McCraw (Joel Eisenberg) of Seattle, Washington, and her cherished son, Stephen Pechenik and his wife , Prudence of Troy. In addition, she leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Julia McClawsen and her husband Greg of Tacoma, Washington, Clifton McCraw of San Diego, California, Natalie Pechenik of Tampa, Florida, Jeffrey Pechenik of Troy, New York, and Iris Pechenik of Syracuse, New York. Bernice was the daughter of the late Samuel A. and Eva Lewis Beeber. She was always so proud of their many accomplishments. In addition, she leaves behind her nephews and nieces, and a host of very special friends who have always been so supportive of her wishes. Bernice graduated from James Madison High School in Brooklyn, NY in 1938 and Brooklyn College in 1941. She then joined the United States Marine Corps during World War II, when she was stationed at Camp Pendleton. Martin and Bernice were married in 1947 and settled in their one and only special home in Nassau, New York, where they raised their family surrounded by love and attention. Martin was a part-time farmer, who always provided a large collection of pets for his children (dogs, cats, horses, goats, sheep, turkeys, chickens). Bernice raised her children to be model citizens by providing an exemplar of caring for others. She was the chair of the local polio drive, Matron of their local chapter of the Eastern Star, involved with her children's school and sports activities. She worked both for QUESTAR and East Greenbush Central Schools as a special education teacher. Her students will always remember their wonderful field trips to Washington D.C., Niagara Falls, and the Battleground Camp Grounds in Lake George, where they feasted on steak and lobsters. Their parents were thrilled to see their children gain working skills that would prepare them to enter the working world as young adults. Bernice was also reknowned for her weaving of baskets and chair seats. Her caning and her sea grass seats still hold many people up today. She not only instructed her students to master these skills to help earn money for their trips, but taught these skills in adult education for East Greenbush Central Schools. Her first love was tennis. She began playing in Brooklyn as a young girl and continued playing into her 80'. She played at many local tennis clubs and also at Ridgefield Park in Albany, New York, where a women's league was named for her (Bernice's league). Thegreat friendships that began on the tennis courts endured until her final days and provided many fond memories for an abundance of her friends. Her family would like to thank Ann Bergin, Teri Sewell, Jacquie Craible, Carol and George Gides, Ann and Harry Rosenfeld, Esther Cussen, Mary Lee and Robert Trudeau, Pat Leichman and Diana Westbrook for the many hours of enjoyment that she was afforded on the tennis court. Many of those women that she played with throughout the years took the time to come visit her in her final days. Her tennis playing and their friendships that were created were an inspiration to so many! She would like to thank her many friends such as Kathy and Sue, that made her days of life so wonderful. Her laughter is something that we will all remember. Bernice would like to thank the many doctors, nurses, LPN's and nursing assistants who assisted her in making her final days comfortable. Services at the Levine Memorial Chapel, 649 Washington Avenue Albany, NY on Monday, October 28, 2012 at 10:30am. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Interment will follow in the Gerald B.H. Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, NY. Those wishing to remember Bernice in a special way may make a memorial contribution to the Nassau Ambulance PO Box 757, Nassau, New York 12123.