Bernice Dobrentey

She was born in Cleveland, the daughter of the late Joseph and Agnes (nee Safran) Kovach. Bernice is the beloved mother of Robert (Lucy) Dobrentey, Susan (Stephen) Lowery and Carol (George) Akel; cherished grandmother of Jessica (Matthew) Agosto, Hannah Akel, Andrew Akel and Eleanore (Demitrious) Thomas; dear sister of Mary (Lawrence, deceased) Quickel, Agnes Kovach (deceased), Thomas Kovach (deceased) and Nancy (Terrence, deceased) Adams; adored aunt of Kenneth Downs (deceased), Karen (Daniel) Keating, Kevin (Anna) Downs, Natalie (Richard) Bendure and Noelle (Steven) Katai, Michelle Wisniewski and Thomas Kovach Jr.

Bernice was an incredibly strong woman, overcoming immense adversity throughout her life while never complaining. Bernice attended Fenn College, which is now Cleveland State University, and belonged to a sorority. Growing up Bernice enjoyed going dancing with her sister, Mary. Bernice loved to travel. Bernice and Mary took many bus trips to places like New York City and Hershey Pennsylvania. One of Bernice’s fondest memories was a trip she took to Myrtle Beach with her daughters Sue and Carol and her grandchildren Hannah and Andrew. On the way, she saw the mountains of West Virginia and the ocean for the first time.

Bernice raised her three children by herself. She enjoyed cooking home made meals for her children, always watching cooking shows and trying new recipes. Bernice found joy in the simple things in life. She cherished time with her family, visiting her sister Nancy and brother Tom and their families on holidays.

Bernice was a devoted grandmother to her grandchildren Jessica, Hannah, and Andrew. Bernice helped with the care of her grandchildren. Bernice even took on caring for granddaughter Hannah, while Bernice’s daughter Carol worked. Bernice loved to play with them and read them stories. Her grandson Andrew loved talking to grandma about her life and the history she lived through. Bernice cherished that she was able to attend the wedding of her granddaughter Jessica and to see the home that Jessica shared with her husband Matt.

Bernice loved going on picnics and to the beach to look out over Lake Erie with her son Bob. Bernice loved getting a great deal by going to garage sales, helping her daughter Sue by buying all her household essentials when she moved into her first apartment. Bernice was also a devoted daughter to her mother Agnes, making sure to call her daily and made weekly visits to help her mother as she aged. Bernice will always be remembered for her selfless devotion to her family.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 28, 2024 from 1PM-4PM at Corrigan Craciun Funeral Home, 20820 Lorain Rd., Fairview Park, Ohio. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 11:30AM at St. Angela Merici Church, 20970 Lorain Rd., Fairview Park with interment services following at Holy Cross Cemetery in Brook Park, Ohio.