Bernice Sanford

Bernice Esther (Czekanski) Sanford, 85, of Millstadt, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, December 29th, 2020 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL. She was born on June 23rd, 1935 in Bremond, Texas. After two years, her parents moved to East St. Louis, IL, where she spent most of her childhood in a Polish community on 8th Street.

Bernice graduated from East St. Louis Senior High School in 1952 and was elected Prom Queen her senior year. She married Harry E. Sanford at Sacred Heart Church in East St. Louis, IL on Sept. 5th, 1955. They lived most of their 45 years of marriage, while raising their family, in Fairview Heights, IL. They enjoyed travel and going to casinos before Harry passed away in October, 2000. Her real pride and joy were her children and grandchildren. She loved attending their sporting events, dance competitions and just spending time with them.

After raising her family, Bernice worked as a sales associate at Famous-Barr (a.k.a. Macy’s) at St. Clair Square in Fairview Heights, IL. She worked in several departments including Fine China, Intimate Apparel and Fragrances. Some of her notable achievements were #1 in Sales and #1 in opening new accounts at the St. Clair store among all employees and departments. She was very motivated and competitive in life in regards to goals and achievements. Her most valued career accomplishments were being able to meet Elizabeth Taylor due to being the top sales person in fragrances, and winning a new car. She made lots of friends and acquaintances over the years, and always seemed to know someone wherever she went.

Bernice was a devout Roman Catholic and was a registered member of St. James Catholic Church in Millstadt since 2003.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Barney and Clara (Wroblewski) Czekanski; husband, Harry E. Sanford; son, Kirk A. Sanford; brother, Daniel Czekanski and son-in-law, Ricky Procasky, who passed just eight days prior.

Bernice is survived by children, John M. (Jenny) Sanford of Edwardsville, Illinois, Lynn C. Procasky of Millstadt, Illinois, grandchildren, Kirk A. Sanford, Michael J. Sanford, Kale M. Procasky, Haley M. Procasky, and great-grandchild, Phoenix D. Procasky.

Public Visitation will be on Saturday, January 9th from 11 am to Noon. Due to Covid guidelines, all services will be restricted to 10 visitors at a time. There will be provisions made to accommodate more in other rooms with visitors being able to move between rooms. The Funeral service will be held in the Chapel at Noon with attendance restrictions, but overflow rooms will be made available with video. The burial will be private for immediate family only. Visitation, Funeral and Burial will be at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, Illinois. Funeral will be streamed live and can be viewed by going to https://www.facebook.com/LakeViewFuneral

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Shriners Hospital.or to donate a Catholic Mass card, please have the Masses said at St. Boniface Church in Edwardsville, IL.