Bernice J. Yager

Bernice J. Yager, 72, of Athens, NY passed away on November 26, 2020 at her home.   

She was the daughter of the late Dorothy Fuller Cable. 

Bernice, also known as “Bea” or “Bernie” to her friends, and even just simply “grandma” to many, had an immense love for her family.  Even through her struggles with her health over the years, her family was always her priority. She treasured any time she could spend with them.  She was a dedicated mother and grandmother.  Whether it was going to all of her grandson’s games, riding along on vacation to Myrtle Beach and Lake George, or baking one of her amazing sweet treats; she did it with love for them.  

She was a 1967 graduate of Hunter Tannersville Central School.  Bernice would tell stories of her fond memories from her time working as a waitress at Warm’s Restaurant, where she would meet many locals each day for their morning coffee.  She also enjoyed her time working with various entertainers at Hunter Mountain Festivals.  Bernice was previously employed as a seamstress at the old Murray Perlman Dress Company in Tannersville, The Mountain Eagle, First American Bank, Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, and Greene Correctional Facility in Coxsackie, where she retired in 2013.  Bernice’s years of hard work and her dedicated work ethic is something she was proud to say she passed down to her daughter.  She would tell everyone she was a proud mom. 

Bernice is survived by her daughter, Bobbi Jo, her son-in-law Tim, and her beloved grandson, Cole. Other survivors include her step children Edward Yager, James Yager and Lorraine Cannon, her sisters; Elaine Rockefeller, Arlene Ferraioli, Lorraine Spanhake, and Dodie Bubach.  She was predeceased by her sister, Betty Buffalo, and her brother, Virgil Cable, and many nieces and nephews. 

Anyone that knew Bernice knows she loved people close to her with everything she had.  She put others first and her generosity was bigger than life.  That love will leave her family with many fond memories of her. 

Arrangements are being managed by Aston-Basagic Funeral Home.  Friends and family are invited to join in celebrating Bernice’s life on Thursday, December 3, 2020, 4-7pm with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M.  Please respect Covid-19 precautions by wearing a mask and social distancing. 

​Memorial contributions may be made in Bernice’s honor to Haines Falls Fire Company.