Angelina T. Hocknell Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Angelina T. Hocknell of Carneys Point, NJ passed away on July 27, 2014, six days before her 94th birthday. She was born in Penns Grove, NJ to Silvio and Livia Martelli. Her husband of almost 58 years, Charles, died in 2009. She is predeceased by her parents and brothers, Rocco Martell, Dindo Martelli and Nichola Martelli. Angie is survived by her sister Marie Mulherin, brother Arthur Martelli, both of Carneys Point, stepson Charles G. Hocknell, Jr. (Judy) and family of Pennsville and numerous nieces and nephews. Angie retired from DuPont Chambers Works as a secretary on June 30, 1982 after 40 years of faithful service. She and Charles lived most of their married lives in Pennsville, and were very active in a wide range of Salem County activities, including Obissquasoit Bowmen and Salem County Sportsmens Club. Angie took up target archery and bow/shotgun hunting to spend more time with Charles, and was quite accomplished in both, winning many NJ State Championships, finishing 2nd nationally at age 60 in the Senior Division. Their basement was a testament to their proficiency, as anyone who ever tried to count the trophies lining the walls can attest. People often recall that, come Fall, there was always a deer or two hanging in the garage. If you asked family members what memories stand out about Angie and Charles, invariably the marathon Christmas Eve home visits (every family member of both sides), 7-Up, iced tea, and cookie trays come up. Angie was a lifetime member and past president of the DuPont Veteranettes, had belonged to St. James, Corpus Christi, and Queen of the Apostles parishes, as well as having been active in their various women’s organizations. She had served as President of the latter’s Altar and Rosary Society. She began her career working at Richman’s Ice Cream factory (which was built by Martell Construction Company), and then as a Laboratory Technician at DuPont Chambers Works during WWII. With the close of the war and impending return of GI’s to their jobs, she took the ferry to Wilmington at night to attend Goldey Beacom for secretarial studies, and continued employment with DuPont as a secretary. “Aunt Angie”, as she was known to many even beyond her family, was famous for her biscotti, an anise Italian cookie which she made weekly by the pans-full like an assembly line. Angie will be remembered for her seemingly boundless energy, zest for life, and the love of laughter. Her skills with sewing, knitting, crocheting were well known. While age and health diminished her memory and ability to do things as she may have wanted, she never lost her fiery independent spirit or devotion to her family. In recent years, she relied upon her niece, Fran Mulherin, Wilmington, DE, as her primary caregiver. Angie’s God daughter and niece, Carol Coneeny, Woodstown, was also a very special source of comfort and support in Angie’s last years. Angie and her sister Marie shared a bond throughout life that most people can only dream about having, one that their husbands said they knew better than to get into the middle of. Their impromptu “road trips” to malls and sales were legendary, as was their own special dialect of Italian. Their close relationship can be summed up by the observation of strangers while they were on the Metroliner to NYC many years ago: “…and they are even wearing the same coats!” Angie’s family will miss her greatly. Seldom in life will you have had the opportunity to meet someone as loving, caring, and utterly selfless. We are blessed, and are better people, for having had her grace our lives for all these years. We are saddened by her departure but gain solace in knowing she is finally at peace in paradise with her loved ones. The family would like to express sincere thanks to everyone at Merion Gardens Assisted Living for their loving support of Angie for the past three years and the staff of Seasons Hospice, CCMS, for their compassion and kindness in her final days. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 AM Friday in St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish – Corpus Christi Church, 369 Georgetown Rd., Carneys Point, NJ where there will be a viewing in the Chapel from 10 to 11 AM prior. Interment will follow in Riverview Cemetery, Penns Grove. In lieu of flowers, and in Angie's spirit, "Pay it Forward" with a random act of kindness. Arrangements are under the care of Ashcraft Funeral Homes, Penns Grove and Pennsville. www.ashcraftfuneralhomes.com

Angelina T. Hocknell

August 2, 1920 - July 27, 2014