Bernice J. Van Booven

Bernice James Van Booven, age 85, passed away peacefully into the arms of her Savior Sunday, May 29, 2016 at home surrounded by her loving family. Bernice was born in Trinidad, Colorado on April 9, 1931 to Steve and Lillian James. She married LeRoy on July 8, 1950 in Glendale, Arizona. The two of them spent 23 years in the Air Force and traveled the world together. They lived in France, Maine, North Carolina, New Mexico, and many other interesting places.

Bernice was a teacher's aide for special needs children for many years with the SISD. When she retired, she assisted LeRoy in the family business doing electrical work. When she retired from that, she became a volunteer at Guadalupe Regional Medical Center and as a cashier at the Silver Center. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading and crocheting. She also spent endless hours holding her beloved dog, Tweet.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, LeRoy Van Booven, brother, John James, parents, Steve and Lillian James. She is survived by siblings, Elizabeth Arlotti and Nick James, five children Sharon Frederickson (Tony), Ree Kaplan (Edward), Vanette Stephenson (Jim), David Van Booven (Teresa) and Steve Van Booven (Tina). Bernice has nine grandchildren, Chris Zobroski (Katie), Tony Frederickson (Rose), Derek Van Booven (Katie), Samantha Van Booven (Roland), Devin Van Booven, Madison Worthy (Austin), Ashley Van Booven, Tyler Van Booven, and Logan Van Booven. She has three great grandchildren Addie, Olivia, Enoch, and two more on the way. Bernice was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. Her family was the most important part of her life. She will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank her caregivers Regina Lee, Rose Martinez, Gloria Castellon, Silvia McKinney, her dialysis nurse and doctors, Kathy Herrera, Dr. Penagaluru and Dr.Banks, and Chris Mata, Dr. Castro, and the GRMC staff for their invaluable assistance and loving care of our mother. Thank you also to the Hospice nurses who helped Bernice be more comfortable and at peace in her last days.

A Rosary will be recited at St. James Catholic Church on Thursday, June 2, 2016 at 9:30 am with a funeral Mass to follow at 10:00 am. A burial will take place at St. James Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests those wishing to do so, make a donation to the Guadalupe Regional Medical Center Foundation, Guadalupe Regional Medical Center Hospice, 1215 E. Court St., Seguin, TX 78155, St. James Catholic School, or St. James Catholic Church, 510 S. Camp St., Seguin, TX 78155. Arrangements are under the direction of Goetz Funeral Home.