GUILDERLAND — Bernice Carol (née Abare) Hauser of Guilderland, a devoted mother who was also devoted to her country, went to clown school so she could entertain veterans.

She died peacefully Saturday, May 18, 2019 at her residence with her family by her side following a short illness. She was 82.

Born in Lyon Mountain, on Dec. 15, 1936, Bernice was the daughter of the late Herbert and Lillian (née St. John) Abare of Plattsburgh, and wife of the late Arthur J. Hauser Jr.

She attended Plattsburgh High, and at a later date worked for and received her General Education Development or high school equivalency certificate. She continued her education by taking courses at Maria College. She also attended clown school so she could achieve her goal of entertaining veterans.

She was a stay-at-home mom for 17 years, who devoted her life to her four children. As her children grew, she entered the workforce for the State of New York, from which she retired after many years.

“Bernice was very devoted to our country,” her family wrote in a tribute, noting she was a charter member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Guilderland Elks 2480, where she once presided as president.  She was also a past president of the Robert L. Weininger Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8692. She was awarded membership in the Military Order of the Cootie of the United States, a subsidiary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

“She also enjoyed family activities such as family gatherings (which were many) and camping,” the tribute said.

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Bernice C. Hauser is survived by her daughters, Lyndia Hauser of Hunterland, and Barbara Hauser of Johnstown; her sons, Arthur J. Hauser III, of Schenectady, and Kevin M. Hauser of Guilderland; her sisters, Lillian Gloria McClary, Barbara Bouchard, and Patricia Barrow; her brother-in-lawVictor Hauser and his wife, Judy; and her sister-in-law, Joanne Abare of Oswego.

She is also survived by her six grandchildren, Robert Hahn and his wife, Andrea, William Hauser, Jessica Hauser, Scott Stickle, Jacqueline Rothaupt, and Angela Webster; her eight great-grandchildren, Warren, Keirsten, James, Addyson, McKenna, Julius, Dominic, and Elius; and by several nieces and nephews as well as several great nieces and great nephews.

Her husband of 50 years, Arthur J. Hauser Jr., died before her, as did her brother, Francis Abare.

Funeral services will be held privately at the convenience of the family, with entombment in St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Hans Funeral Home at 1088 Western Ave. in Albany on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation, Post Office Box 368, Woodland Hills, CA 91365.