Obituary of Louise Helen VanEtten

Louise H. Van Etten passed away peacefully at the Firefighters Home in Hudson NY on February 8, 2024 after a long goodbye and with the comfort and care of the Home’s loving staff. She is now at rest with the Lord. She was born March 31, 1942, the daughter of the late Walter Brockway and Martha Hinkley Brockway. 

Louise was a graduate of South Kortright Central School. She went on to continue her education at Mildred Elley Business School. While much was learned at school, much more was learned from family on the farm in Township. With all of this she had a number of jobs over the years, finishing before retirement as a part of the Mountain Eagle team. Her proudest role was as wife and mother, two jobs that were always her first priority and that only ended with her passing. Louise also saw service to others as a calling. She was a part of the Lexington United Methodist Church community and its UMW group. Louise would follow Albert in his service with the Town of Lexington Fire Department and was a proud member of its Ladies Auxiliary. She was known to enjoy knitting, crocheting and needle point – with generations of her extended family having something hand made to celebrate the birth of a child or other special occasion.

Louise is survived by her loving husband of 54+ years Albert as well as her children Douglas (Kimberly) Van Etten of Homer NY and Sharon (Jody) Moncrief or Colonial Heights VA. Blessed with 5 grandchildren who she shared lessons of life and love with at the lake or during time together at Thanksgiving, she leaves Ashley, Austin and Brock Moncrief and Zachary and Tyler Van Etten with many wonderful memories of time well spent with them. Louise is also survived by her brothers Dwight and Ken Brockway and her cousin - who was like a sister - Barb Ackerley. Louise enjoyed her family’s history and spending time at various family reunions allowing her the gift of knowing so many of her nieces, nephews and cousins. 

She was predeceased by her parents and her brother Allan.

Her family will receive visitors at Decker Funeral Home - 5312 Route 23 in Windham NY from 4-6 pm Wednesday, February 14. A Funeral Service will be conducted at Township Church – 3835 Town Brook Road in Hobart NY on Thursday, February 15 at 11 am with Reverend Elliott Oaks officiating. Internment will be in the Lexington Cemetary in the spring  

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you consider a donation of money or time to your local church or fire department, or a gift to the Firefighters Home for Memory Care Unit Outdoor Seating – Firefighters Home - 125 Harry Howard Avenue Hudson NY 12534. Please write Memory Care Outdoor Seating in the memo of your check.

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” Romans 5: 3-4