In Memory of Wanda H. Hoeller

Obituary

Wanda H. Hoeller, 84, of New Hartford, NY passed away unexpectedly on May 27, 2023 at Basset Medical Center in Cooperstown, NY after a brief illness.

Wanda was born in Rome, NY on March 20, 1939 to the late Walter Simon and Helen F. Bienkowski. After graduating from West Canada Valley High School in 1957, she later attended the Utica School of Commerce, earning an associate degree.

While working at General Electric Company, she went on a blind date set up by a co-worker and met the love of her life, Winfried J. “Winn” Hoeller. She and Winn were married on May 7, 1960 in New York Mills, NY. They had one daughter, Heidi. For fifty-three cherished years, the close couple enjoyed frequently traveling, camping, picnicking, photography, kayaking and fishing.

Wanda worked for several years at General Electric Company in Utica, then as a bookkeeper for Brian A. Owens, CPA. At the beginning of the macrame craze, Wanda founded The What Knot Shop, where she taught macrame lessons and sold crafting supplies for several years. When the craze ended, she began working at Norstar Bank, which became Fleet Bank and then Bank of America, where she worked in various accounting roles and later retired in 2004. Wanda then worked part-time for many years as a property manager for H&P Realty Management, Inc.

A crafty lady, Wanda loved silk flower arranging, painting and cake decorating in her spare time. She avidly attended flower shows throughout the Northeast. She formally studied fresh flower arranging, stopping just short of becoming an adjudicator for competitions, when Winn fell ill.

After Winn passed in 2013, Wanda was devastated, but began to enjoy life again with her daughter, Heidi, and son-in-law, Paul. She became part of their circle of friends, joining them on vacations, celebrating holidays, joining in on “Paint Nites”, decorating for holidays, entering gingerbread house competitions, and planning and preparing for large Halloween parties.

An independent woman, Wanda enjoyed living in her own home and living life on her own terms. She enjoyed regularly socializing with her uncle, cousins and friends at Patty Jean’s Country Restaurant in Newport, NY.

Wanda is survived by her daughter, Heidi M. Hoeller, and her son-in-law, Paul Serbaniewicz, of Lakeville, CT; a nephew, Winfried (Ingrid) Höller, of Füssen, Germany; two great-nephews, Andreas (Regina) of Lechaschau, Austria and Stefan (Natalie) Höller, of Reutte, Austria; a dear uncle who very recently passed, Leon J. Bienkowski, of Poland, NY; a special cousin, Kevin Bienkowski, and his wife, Joanne, of Poland, NY; friends and former co-workers; and, her feline friend, Phoebe. Wanda was predeceased by her beloved husband, Winfried J. Hoeller.

Calling hours will be on Thursday, June 1, 2023 from 3-5 PM at the Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford, NY. A Memorial Service will follow at 5 PM and dinner at 6 PM to celebrate her life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in memory of Wanda to H.A.L.O. (halorescue.net) or the local animal shelter of your choice.

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.