Obituary of Bernice I. Mechalke

MECHALKE , BERNICE I. (PABIS) Age 90 of Collinsville,CT formerly of Horseheads , NY passed away peacefully on Friday September 12 , 2014 . Bernice was born October 6 , 1923 in Elmira , NY the daughter of the late Michael and Agnes Tommidy Pabis . She married her husband , John F. "Huck" Mechalke Jr. and he pre-deceased her on December 8 , 1984. Bernice was also pre-deceased by her loving and long-time companion Lee Cannon . Mrs. Mechalke was also pre-deceased by her brothers and sisters Joseph Pabis , Francis "Hank" Pabis , Helen Pabis , Veronica Drake , Leona Rybak , Max Pabis , Leon Pabis , Sophia Sleeper , and Mary Ann Jenkins . Bernice retired from J.H. Cohen Ladies and Childrens Apparel Store in Horseheads , NY and a long-time member of The Horseheads Lioness Club. She was a devout Catholic and a communicant of St. Mary Our Mother Church in Horseheads ,NY. Bernice loved her family and friends and treasured the time she spent with them. Her smile lit up the room wherever she was especially when she was on the dance floor! Mrs. Mechalke is survived by her loving and devoted daughters and sons-in-law : Judy and Charlie Quattrochi of Wilton , CT and New Smyrna Beach , Florida and Jeanne and Jerry Waters of Collinsville, CT ; beloved grandchildren : Lauren & Duke Aber, Jeremy & Jess Waters, and Matt Quattrochi ; precious great grandchildren : Sam Aber , Cole Aber , and Kaylee Waters ; several nieces , nephews , cousins , and a host of caring friends especially Gail Lampman , Debby Mosher , Sally Gwin , and Bill Cannon who held a special place in Bernice's heart. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the LYNCH FUNERAL HOME 318 WEST BROAD STREET HORSEHEADS , NY on Monday September 15 , 2014 from 4-6 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday September 16 , 2014 at 10 AM at St. Mary Our Mother Church in Horseheads , NY. The Rev. Christopher E. Linsler will be the Celebrant of Mrs. Mechalke's Funeral Mass. Bernice will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband John in St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery in Elmira , NY. In lieu of flowers , her family would like everyone to play a song and have a dance in Bernice's memory.