Obituary of Bernadette Syrocki

Bernadette Hogan Syrocki, 87, peacefully departed this life on October 26th on the Birthday of the love of her life Gerry, who predeceased her in 2017. Together they celebrated a life filled with faith and service to their family, their church and their community.

Bernie dedicated her life to the promotion of social justice and service to others, and was blessed with lasting friendships among the Ladies of Club, the Bishop Foery Foundation, Brady Faith Center, the Oxford Inn, St. Anthony’s, and many others. Bernie attended St. John’s Catholic Academy, CCBI and LeMoyne College. She was well read and worldly, and could carry a conversation about any topic, often impressing her family with her command of history, current events, sports or politics. She was a bridge player, golfer, self-taught pianist, and “never met a stranger”.

She was among the founders of the Brady Faith Center, established to serve the families of the Southwest community of Syracuse, and was a recipient of the Monsignor Charles Brady Lifetime service award. 

Bernie was predeceased by her parents, George and Ethel Hogan, her brothers, Robert and George, and her sisters, Agnes and Mary Elizabeth.

She was a devoted mother and Nana, and is survived by her children, Mary (Bill) Burgess, Dorothy Haag, Paul (Patricia) Syrocki, and Anne (Larry) Cantwell and her grandchildren, T and Will Haag, and John, Ben and Danny Cantwell. Bernie leaves a legacy of laughter, unconditional love, compassion and humility.

Her family is grateful for the love and loyalty of her long-time neighbors Gen and Tom Monsour, the Mollica family, Cheryl and Jim Roy, Brigette and Terry Hoffman, and Marbeth and Vince Sweeney.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Thursday, November 3, 2022 from 4-7pm at the Edward J. Ryan and Son Funeral Home at 3180 Bellevue Ave., Syracuse.

A celebration of life and mass of Christian burial will be held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, on Friday, November 4, 2022 at 10 a.m., officiated by her dear friend and kindred spirit, Father John Schopfer. Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Dewitt following mass.

Donations may be made in Bernie’s memory to Brady Faith Center, 404 South Ave., Syracuse, New York, 13204.