Obituary of Rebecca Elizabeth Hanchak

Rebecca Elizabeth Hanchak (Hockin) of Satellite Beach Florida passed away peacefully on 17 December 2023.  She was originally from Jermyn, PA and married her brother’s best friend John Hanchak of Mayfield, PA in 1963.

Rebecca relocated with her husband to Laurel, MD in 1963 which she considered her home base until 2009 when she and John permanently relocated to Satellite Beach, FL.

Rebecca was an excellent partner in life, always supporting her husband’s career that required frequent moves to overseas assignments to include Ankara, Turkey – Tehran, Iran – Wiesbaden, Germany and Cheltenham, England.  During those assignments, she traveled extensively to many other neighboring countries as she was determined to see the world.  She was successful in her endeavor.

In addition to supporting her husband and raising their two sons, Rebecca had a career of her own as a Department of Defense civilian and eventually retired after 20 years of service.

She was known for her ability to entertain beautifully and for her dedication to the Orthodox Church.  Her soprano voice was a beautiful addition to many church choirs.  Most of all, Rebecca had an ever-present upbeat attitude and a wonderful sense of humor. Rebecca loved her family and the lifelong friendships that she and John formed over the years in their overseas assignments.  She also loved the finer things in life and always wanted to share with those around her.  Rebecca had an extremely generous spirit.

Rebecca is survived by her sons, John (Jere) Hanchak of Georgetown, TX and Stephen (Maggie) Hanchak of Charles Town, WV.  She is also survived by her 5 grandchildren:  Stacie, Brett, Blake, Anastasia, Roger … and her 9 great-grandchildren:  Landon, Olsen, Ensey, Jace, Charlie, Cole, Westley, Troy, and Dahlia as well as her brother John Hockin, sister Bette Kondratick, and goddaughter Lisa McElearney.

Funeral services will be held at St Simeon Orthodox Church on 28 December 2023 at 10:00 am and the burial ceremony will be held at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery at 1:30 pm.