Kendra Elise Hockaday

Kendra Elise Hockaday

Kendra Elise Hockaday, 66, of Fredericksburg, passed away peacefully in the early morning of Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Mary Washington Hospital, following complications from chemotherapy after her recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Kendra was born on January 19, 1959, at Fort Belvoir, Va., where she spent her early years. After the passing of her grandfather in 1964, she accompanied her mother and grandmother (her beloved Nan) to England for a year. Even at a young age, Kendra shined in school, advancing quickly and ultimately graduating a year early from Robert E. Lee High School in 1976.

Her Federal career began at Fort Belvoir as an intern, where her work ethic and determination quickly earned her a full-time position. She went on to complete her bachelor's degree at Northern Virginia Community College, along with a certificate in IT Support Programs. A true problem-solver at heart, she even built her own computer from scratch. She retired in 2014 as Help Desk Manager at the Defense Acquisition University in Fort Belvoir, a role where she was not only known for her technical expertise but for her patience, compassion, and willingness to help anyone in need.

Kendra's life was full of love, for people, for animals, and for the beauty of flowers. Her garden was always alive with color, especially her favorites: Stargazer lilies and Sterling roses. She filled her home and her days with the simple joys of tending to her plants, cross-stitching, playing piano (until osteomyelitis in 2019 made it too difficult), reading novels, and losing herself in puzzles, card games, and her favorite shows, NCIS and Chicago Fire.

But above all else, the great love of her life was her husband of 38 years, Luchen Y. Hockaday. Their love was truly one for the ages; a partnership built on devotion, laughter, and an unbreakable bond. They did everything together and for each other, and Kendra often said that her happiest moments were the ones spent side by side with him.

Kendra never met a stranger, treating everyone with warmth, kindness, and genuine concern. She was happiest when putting others first. Whether it was family, friends, or the many beloved furry companions who were part of her life over the years. Her deep love for animals continued to the very end, reflected in her last Facebook profile picture to help save a missing dog.

Kendra was preceded in death by her grandfather, Horace Henry Gilroy Smith (1964); her father, Dean Wesley Haugen (1996); her grandmother, Charlotte "Nan" Elsie Smith (2000); her father-in-law, Luchen A. Hockaday (2006); her mother, Valerie Faith Haugen (2014); along with several cherished pets who brought her joy.

She leaves behind her devoted husband and soul mate, Luchen; their 17-year-old furry child, Princess; her mother-in-law, Doris Hockaday, whom she loved as her own; brother-in-law Gary Hockaday (Carol); sisters-in-law Sharon Strait (Don) and Debbie Curfman (Mark); and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. She shared a particularly close bond with her niece and nephew, Caylee and Caleb Curfman, who brought her endless pride and joy.

Kendra's celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Covenant Funeral Service, 10830 Patriot Highway, Fredericksburg, from 4 to 7 p.m., with her service beginning at 6 p.m. A private inurnment will follow on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Pohick Episcopal Church in Lorton, Va.

To know Kendra was to know unconditional kindness, boundless love for animals, and a soul that put others before herself. Kendra's absence will leave a missing piece in this world but "It's not goodbye, it's see you later."

In lieu of flowers at Kendra's request, please send donations to Ricky's Refuge, Orange, Va., or to the Fredericksburg, SPCA in her memory.

Online guest book is available at covenantfuneralservice.com.