Berniece was a 1949 graduate of Thornton Fractional Township High School. While a student there, she was involved in the Commercial Club, Thorntonian Staff, Journalism Club, Junior Class Treasurer, and served as an Office Assistant. Her role as an Office Assistant led to her early career in the office at Thornton Fractional until the birth of her first child where she then began her role as a stay at home mom for a number of years. She returned to the workforce working as a District 215 Title 1 program secretary.
Berniece often and always thought of others, and never failed to mark a holiday or birthday for those she loved with a card or a note, or would drop a line to chat for a while. A lover of talking and “catching up,” she enjoyed attending family reunions and the Lever Brothers retiree activities with Edward, and continued to do so after his passing. She was a wonderful baker and cook, and trying to replicate her recipes is never quite the same without the Berniece touch. She had a fierce sweet tooth, and no afternoon was well spent if it didn’t involve a cup of decaf coffee and something sweet. She was an avid reader, with no devotion to one particular genre, appreciating each for the entertainment and knowledge they had to offer. She was a faithful fan of The Lawrence Welk Show, and could reference each episode, who was performing, and what year each episode originally came on with ease. She was a sassy lady, with a dry and quirky sense of humor, and was often funny without trying to be. She took pride in keeping a clean home and yard, and enjoyed working in her garden as the Chicago weather allowed. She had a way of cataloging her days and events that showed her appreciation and attention to the finer details and memories in life. She was a loving Wife, Mom, Grandma, and Great Grandma, that took pride in her family as they took pride in her, and left a love and impact not soon to be forgotten. She will be missed tremendously.
She is survived by her daughter, Eileen Black and husband DeWitt and son Steve Rybarski; four grandchildren, Jay (Leslie), Stephanie, Kyle, Rachel (Jorge); 7 great grandchildren, Dillan, Brooklyn, Adam, Summer, Harper, Logan, and Zander, as well as many nieces and nephews, and her loving dog, Lucky.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her 9 siblings, and her husband of 62 years, Edward.
A visitation will be held from 12:00 pm until 1:00 pm on Friday, January 26, 2024 at Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park followed by a Celebration of Life Service beginning at 1:00 pm.
A visitation will be held from 12:00 pm until 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens followed by a Celebration of Life Service beginning at 1:00 pm.
She will be laid to rest at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens in Crown Point, IN.
In lieu of flowers (due to travel) please consider donations to Gaston Hospice.
Fond memories and expressions of Berniece may be offered at
www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com.
