Bernice Hafey Schwartz

Bernice Hafey Schwartz passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on the morning of September 26th at the age of 75 in her Glenville, New York home. Berni, as she was known, was born in Erie, Pennsylvania on August 22, 1941 and lived most of her early years in Erie. She and Larry met there when he was working in broadcasting in that city and they fell in love in a short time. She married Larry on March 3rd in Erie and then again on March 17, 1963 in White Plains, NY at Larry's mother's house. They soon moved to Louisville, Kentucky and were there for five and a half years and had three beautiful children there; a daughter, Lori Pepper and twin boys, Arthur and Adam. The family moved to Glenville, New York in February 1969 where they have lived for over 40 years. All the children survive her. Lori lives in Avon, NY with grandchildren, Shelby and Rylee. Arthur is in Ballston Lake, NY with grandchild, Alainnah and Adam is in Connecticut with grandchild, Rachel. Berni was predeceased by her father, Robert Hafey and her mother, Mary LeVangia Hafey as well as sister, Mary Hafey Fischer and several other sisters. She is survived by a brother, Robert of Sugarland, Texas and sister June of Erie, PA. Berni earned her B.S. in education from Catherine Spalding college in Louisville and her Masters in Education from the State University of New York in Albany. She was a wonderful teacher and worked as a substitute in several different school districts for decades before retiring including Scotia-Glenville, Ballston Spa and Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake. Berni's main focus was always her children and grandchildren and she loved them more than anything. She never forgot a birthday or anniversary and made sure to make those times happy and joyous. One of her fondest memories was of Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners at the house and also Sunday morning breakfasts with the whole family. One of her greatest pleasures was to take her granddaughters shopping and she also squirreled away parcels of money for them. Berni was always generous to a fault with everyone. In earlier years she was active with her sister, Mary in the International Association of Aquatic Arts and they put on many wonderful synchronized swimming water shows through the years. In 1958 and 1959 she and her sister Mary were champions with the IAAA. She taught synchro to many children. She loved teaching and was always happy when called on to substitute. She worked almost every school day. Berni was a great advocate for veterans and was an integral member of the Military Courtesy Room at the Albany International Airport along with Larry and they hosted the room every other Saturday. Larry still does. She thought it was an honor. She was a member of the Glenville YMCA which she supported strongly and swam there almost every day. Berni loved to travel and one of her fondest memories was of a two week holiday in the Hawaiian Islands some years ago and she and Larry took several Caribbean cruises as well. Berni loved Broadway theater and had a subscription to the "Broadway package" at Proctor's Theater in Schenectady which often had original cast members of the shows put on there. Berni will be desparately missed by her family, but her memory will forever be in our hearts. Any memorials or donations should be sent to the Military Courtesy Room at the Albany International Airport.