Bessie Pollicove

Bessie (Chernoff)
Pollicove
HOUSTON, TX
Bessie (Chernoff) Pollicove was born September 26, 1915, and died October 21, 2014, at the age of 99, in Houston, TX. Bessie, the daughter of Eva and William Chernoff, was predeceased by her husband, Samuel; her parents; brother, David; and son and daughter-in-law, Lawrence and Deborah Pollicove. Survivors include her children, Cindi Diamondstone (Barry) of Walkersville, MD, and Marc Pollicove (Margaret) of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Jessica Holst (Darren) of Harrisburg, PA, Rebecca Diamondstone of Lancaster, PA, Sarah Pollicove, Rachel MacWithey (Kevin) and Samantha Pollicove of Houston, TX, Samuel Pollicove (Kimberly) of Danville, CA, and William Cantor and Daniel Canter (Jennifer) of AR; and great-grandchildren, Alexander Holst, Max Pollicove, and Jordan, Jared, Hannah and Rebecca Canter. Bessie also leaves sisters, Ann Binder and Freda Friedman of Laguna Hills, CA, and Irlene Waldman of Milwaukee, WI; and sister-in-law, Adele Chernoff of Sangerfield; in addition to many nieces and nephews. Bessie lived a very full life. She grew up on the family farm in Sangerfield. She graduated from Waterville High School and attended Cortland Normal School. Before marrying August 10, 1938, and becoming a homemaker, Bessie sold shoes at Frasers Department Store in Utica. Bessie worked in Pollicove's Bakery while her husband served in the Navy during World War II. As a homemaker, Bessie was devoted to her family. She was very active in the local school PTAs, Congregation Tifereth Zvi, and the Rebecca Lodge, holding offices in each organization. After her children were grown, Bessie worked with her husband Samuel in his store, The Utica Kosher Meat Market on James Street. After Sam died, Bessie sold the market and was a reading tutor in the Utica Public School System. Bessie assisted her sister, Freda, in the Food Service Department of Northwestern National Life Insurance Company in Minneapolis, MN. Bessie later became a caregiver for her brother-in-law after he suffered a stroke, and then her daughter-in-law who suffered a brain aneurism. Bessie lived in Walkersville, MD, for 9 years. She was on a first name basis with every Para-Transit Bus Driver! Bessie served as President of the Beth Sholom Social Club and volunteered in the kitchen during Bingo. She also attended the Senior Center in Frederick, MD, and participated in the exercise classes, in addition to playing bridge and teaching members mah-jongg. Bessie lived in Houston for just over two years. She looked forward to attending weekly CAPS meetings and playing bridge. Additionally, Bessie was a life member of Weight Watchers and an inspiration to other attendees. Bessie was a "foodie". Lobster, shrimp, and desserts were her secret passions. She was a noted baker and was often asked to bake for family parties and celebrations. Bessie also loved to travel and toured many countries in Europe and Asia. Gambling, dancing, playing bridge and mah-jongg, and celebrating any occasion were all favorite activities. Family was most important to Bessie who was a force to be reckoned with and had many admiring friends, making everyone feel welcome. Her memory remains an inspiration to remind us all to live life to the fullest, to help others, and to see the best in every situation and in everybody. She will be missed. Services will be held Sunday, October 26, at 1:30 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El, 2710 Genesee Street, Utica. Visitation will take place one hour before services at Temple. Arrangements are under the guidance of the Bentz Funeral Service, Inc., Utica/New Hartford. The family will receive friends after the funeral and burial services at the home of Vivian and Ernest Berkowitz in Utica. A service in memory of Bessie will be held at Congregation Beth Sholom, 1011 North Market Street, Frederick, MD, at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bessie's memory can be made to the charity of one's choice. Online condolences to bentzfuneralhomes.com