Obituary of Loretta M. Kent

Loretta M. Kent, 71, passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 30 with her loving family at her side. She was born October 3, 1939 in Elmira, NY, the daughter of Elizabeth Vargo Tafelski and the late Hamilton H. Hollenbeck. Loretta was employed at Ward Products in Amsterdam, where she worked for many years in wire line assembly. She enjoyed collecting coins, gardening and going to casinos. She also liked watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Most of all, she loved to be surrounded by her family, especially at gatherings and cookouts. She absolutely adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren. They were the apple of her eye. Loretta will be very sadly missed. Survivors include three sons: Robert Smith Chiring Serpa of Cape Cod, MA, Allen Smith Kristina of Johnstown and David Smith of Amsterdam; a daughter, Donna Bacon John of Amsterdam; her mother, Elizabeth Tafelski of Elmira; four grandchildren: Brandy Van Nostrand Danny, Angela Bacon Jeffrey Crubbreast, John A. Smith and Holly Smith; ten step grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren: Jaden Stevens, Jewel McNamara, Landon Van Nostrand, Alexis Van Nostrand, Ashlynn Van Nostrand, Jonathan Smith, Liam Crubbreast, Sierra Smith, Shawn Smith, Haley Lindenmuth, Sierra Lindenmuth and Alyssa Lindenmuth; eight step great grandchildren; a brother: Hamilton Hollenbeck of Elmira; a sister, Betty Kerrick of Elmira Heights; her special friend, Joseph Mack; former husband Albert Kent and her beloved dog, Ginger. She was predeceased by a brother, Frank Hollenbeck. Family and friends are invited and may call Friday, September 2 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Jeffords& Stewart Funeral Home, 85 West Main Street, Broadalbin, NY 12025. A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 3 with the Reverend Cynthia Van Allen presiding. Interment will be at Perth Cemetery, Perth, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Loretta's memory to the Ronald McDonald House, 139 South Lake Avenue, Albany, NY 12208.