Elizabeth A. “Beth” Ockenholt

Wynantskill- Elizabeth Ann "Beth" (Wanback) Ockenholt, age 61, of Wynantskill, New York, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, August 7, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. After a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer, she faced her illness with immense courage, grace, and strength.

Beth was a beloved and devoted wife to Christopher Ockenholt, with whom she shared years of marriage and a lifetime of beautiful memories. As a mother, she poured her heart into her children, Jaime Welch (Anthony) and Morgan DuPont, always serving as their biggest supporter, guide, and source of unconditional love. Beth was also a loving bonus mom to Shawn Dellea, Adam Lackey (Sarah), Ericka Buckley (Peter), and Ashley Ockenholt (Chris Ramsey).

While she held many titles throughout her life, her absolute favorite was being "Gigi" to her cherished granddaughters, Brynlee and Kynslee Welch. Gigi's warmth, playful spirit, and endless love will forever shape their lives. That same love extended to her bonus grandchildren, Aria and JJ Welch, Maverick, Carter, and Grayson.

In addition to her husband, children, and grandchildren, she leaves behind sisters Carolyn (Joe) Aulicino, Darlene (Bruce) Vaughn, Susan (Michael) McDowell, and brother Derek Brown. She also leaves behind nieces Hailey Aulicino, Courtney (Josh) Lausier, and Katie McDowell, and nephew Brent Vaughn (Aimee), along with an incredible circle of cherished friends whose loyalty, compassion, and steadfast presence filled her life with joy and comfort.

Beth was a proud graduate of Siena College, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting in 1997, after first attending Hudson Valley Community College.

She dedicated more than 37 years of her professional life to the New York State Teachers' Retirement System, where she worked from February 1989 through August 2025. Beth took great pride in her career and, perhaps most importantly, in the lifelong friendships she formed along the way. The relationships she built with her NYSTRS colleagues meant so much to her, and those friendships were ones she cherished deeply and will forever be remembered as an important part of her life.

Beth also had a heart for helping others and spent time volunteering for a very special project, "Kindness Is," along with the Mohawk Humane Society. Giving her time to others and caring for animals were just two of the many ways Beth showed the kindness and generosity that came so naturally to her.

Throughout Beth's life, she had a remarkable way of putting her family and friends before herself. Their happiness was her happiness, and caring for the people she loved was what brought her the greatest joy. She gave endlessly of herself, always making sure those around her felt loved, supported, and cared for. Her selflessness, warmth, and unwavering love are the gifts she leaves behind, and her family and friends will carry them with them forever.

Our family would like to highlight and express our deepest gratitude for the love and support Beth received from NYSTRS throughout her 37 years of service. We would also like to thank Dr. Chrystal Price and the SPHP Hospitalist Team, Dr. Younus, Lexi Lane, and the NYOH care team for their endless compassion, care, and support during the last year of Beth's life.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Beth's family from 3:30-6:30 p.m., on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at the W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Ave. Rensselaer, NY 12144. A memorial service will begin at 6:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Mohawk Humane Society in Beth's name.