Bernice H. Heifetz

She graduated from Portland High School and the Forsyth-Tufts School of Dental Hygiene. She began her career as a dental hygienist with the Portland School System. She was married for 56 years to pediatrician Dr. Ralph Heifetz who died in 1996. For many years she was a volunteer at the Maine Medical Center, serving in the Childrens' Dental Clinic, the Occupational Therapy Clinic, and a variety of other hospital service areas. She was a member of “Reach to Recovery,” a breast cancer support organization, making visits to patients at both the Mercy and Main Medical Center Hospitals. She was an active member of the Woman's Auxiliary of the Cumberland County Medical Society and was the Chairman of the Beacon Club for the Blind. She also served on the Boards of several local social service agencies.

She is survived by her son, Alan (Nancy) of West Palm Beach, Florida; her grandsons, Andrew (Amy) of Chantilly, Virginia, and Peter of Irvine, California; and two great-grandchildren, Lillian and Alexander.

Funeral services are private.

Memorial contributions may be made to the The Breast Cancer Research Foundation 60 East 56th Street, 8th floor New York, NY 10022.

Arrangements under the direction of Jones-Rich-Hutchins Funeral Home, Portland, ME.