Mrs. Tess P. Obenhoff, 75, of Bleecker, N.Y., passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 27, 2016, at Albany Medical Center. She was born May 23, 1940, in Gloversville N.Y., the daughter of the late Kenneth W. and Leona M. Crippen. Tess graduate from Gloversville High School in 1956 and from Albany Business College in 1957 in the top ten percent of her executive secretarial course. On December 15, 1962, she married William Obenhoff who would be her husband for forty-nine years.
Tess worked for the New York State Department of Health before leaving to start a family. She would later work as an administrative assistant in the private sector before returning to work for the state of New York at the Tryon Residential Center. Tess was an active member of the Bleecker United Methodist Church and the Nick Stoner Senior Club.
But Tess’ life was more than a list of dates, professions and organizations. Tess was a loving daughter and sister, devoted wife, proud mother, adoring grandmother and selfless friend to countless people. Tess was that person you would see in the grocery store talking to a complete stranger who needed a kind word. Though she lived by the creed “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all,” she had the incredible gift of always being able to find something nice to say. Tess could make the lives of those around her better even when her life, at times, was not easy.
Tess was a truly giving person and put passion and heart into everything she did. Tess worked hard her entire life to provide a better life for her family and her heart was overflowing with charity, always making time for others. She loved animals and gave them the same dignity and respect that she gave to people. Most of her dogs were adopted and Tess always seemed to find the misfit that no one else wanted and gave that animal a loving home.
Tess loved to garden, do crossword puzzles, refinishing antiques, reading, and crocheting. But of all the things that will be missed about Tess, one of the most will be her cooking. You never left Tess’ house hungry, both from the food, and the love and affection that came with it.
Survivors include her son, Ryan Obenhoff (Jennifer) of Marietta, Georgia; and grandchildren, Klaus Obenhoff and Connor Obenhoff of Austin Texas, Hans Obenhoff of Arlington, Virginia, Zachary Obenhoff and Hannah Obenhoff of Marietta, Georgia. She is also survived by a sister, Haila Crippen of Johnstown, N.Y.; a sister-in-law, Janet Lange (Roger) of Utica, N.Y.; a brother-in-law, Thomas H. Obenhoff (Karen) of Orange, Conn.; and a daughter-in-law, Debra Obenhoff of Wilton, N.Y. Tess was predeceased by her husband, William Obenhoff in 2012; and two sons, Todd Obenhoff in 2009 and Yale Obenhoff in 2004.
A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 1, at Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont St., Gloversville. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. prior to the service. Cremation will take place at Parkview Crematorium, Schenectady. Burial will be private at the convenience of his family. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.brbsfuneral.com.
