Hallenbeck, Josephine R.

Josephine "JoJo" R. Lassi Hallenbeck passed away suddenly at home November 23rd, 10 days after her 87th birthday. Josephine was born in Albany to Anthony and Mary (Cross) Lassi and resided here her entire life. She graduated from Albany High School in 1951 and eventually started working for NYNEX. In 1964 she married Thomas Hallenbeck (deceased) and they had three sons; Thomas (Stephanie), Michael and Timothy (Dawn).

After taking years off to raise her sons, she went back to work at NYNEX/Verizon and retired after 33 years. Not someone to sit home idly, at the age of 61, Josephine decided to pursue and obtain a bachelor's degree from Maria College and reentered the workforce, starting her second career with NYS Parks and Recreation in the Marine Services Unit. She was well loved by her Parks family and was recently featured in the Agency's statewide newsletter. Josephine chose not to retire and was in her 20th year with Parks and Recreation where she worked until the last week of her life. The routine of work and seeing her coworkers/friends each day was part of the reason she stayed young in spirit and mind.

Josephine's life was about commitment to her family, friends, work and cats. A request from one was never seen as a chore, but an opportunity to show how much she cared. Her sons were blessed to have a mother who always loved, supported and forgave them. Her best friends were her sisters and cousins from here toCalifornia, and she spoke with them throughout the day and week. Her two cats required extra medical care and she administered it each day.

She enjoyed time with her family in person or on the phone. When you called she was happy to hear your voice and would usually say she was just speaking with another family member or friend, and fill you in on the latest.

Most Saturdays were spentdriving to Delmar Plaza, getting her hair done and shopping at Hannaford. Later in the day she would talk on the phone a while and then settle in for a night of British detective shows on PBS. Sundays were often spent taking a drive with her sons and their families to an outside lunch or brunch at the IACC.

In the last month she was at a family gathering that included her three sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and also celebrated her birthday with her sisters at their favorite Chinese restaurant. There is never a good time to lose a loved one, but we are all grateful that her life was as it always has been until the very last moments.

She is survived by her three sons; her sisters Carol (Don) and Diane (Joe); grandchildren Jena (Tyler), Steven (Nina), Jaycee (Eric); great-grandchildren Jade, Josie and Max;cousins Nancy, Chuck and Lorraine; dear friends Ann and Phyllis; many nieces and nephews; and her two cats Tony and Mr Jenkins.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, Inc., 490 Delaware Ave. Tuesday, December 1, 2020 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Masks and social distancing will be required and occupancy restrictions will be followed. Interment will be held privately in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands.

Donations to Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave., Menands, 12204 would be appreciated.