Obituary of Bernice T. Van Patten

Canajoharie Bernice T. Van Patten, 86, of Moyer Street passed away peacefully Saturday morning, June 14, at her home with her loving family by her side. She was born in Sharon, NY November 23, 1921 a daughter of the late Homer and Tressa Mereness Bellinger. Bernice was a life resident of the area and was a graduate of Canajoharie High School. She worked as a Teacher's Aid for several years with the Canajoharie School District. She married Robert Van Patten of Palatine on June 27, 1942 and together they resided in Canajoharie and started their family. Prior to her occupation with the School District, Bernice worked at the Color Shop and Beech-Nut in Canajoharie. She enjoyed cooking, baking, and spending time with her family, especially, her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Bernice was predeceased by two brothers, Theron and Leland Bellinger, and two sisters, Crystal Lamb and Irene Veeder. Her loving family includes her husband of 66 years, Robert Van Patten of Canajoharie, her three daughters, Diane Burch and her husband William of Hornell, Sue Claire Snyder and her husband Lawrence, Jr. of Canajoharie and Agnes McCrary and her husband Richard of Canajoharie, two sisters, Clara White of Preston Hollow and Ida Mae Istle and her husband Tony of Ames. Eight grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter also survive. Funeral Services will be at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at Lenz & Betz Funeral Home, 69 Otsego St., Canajoharie with Rev. Kenneth Dingman, officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Tuesday evening at the funeral home. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Fonda. Contributions in Bernice's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of NY, 85 Watervliet Ave., Albany, NY 12206 or to Mid County Ambulance Corp., P.O. Box 453, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428.