Bernice A. Stachovic

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Bernice A Stachovic. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Bernice was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

Bernice was born on Northwestern Hospital in Chicago, IL. She was the daughter of August and Lillie Lipkeman. Bernice was raised in Chicago, IL. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Bernice was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Bernice's personality throughout her life.

Though Bernice was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Bernice was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Bernice worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Bernice was raised with three siblings. She had one younger brother Henry, and two older sisters Tillie and Claire. Bernice and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Bernice was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Bernice was always tactful. One thing Bernice will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Bernice had a number of interests and was an active child. Bernice took part in playing outdoors, jump rope, jacks, and swimming.

For Bernice, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Bernice was also adept at details. Bernice was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

There was one thing that all of Bernice's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Bernice was such a popular person throughout her life. But Bernice was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Bernice was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Bernice was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Bernice was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Bernice was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Bernice made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. Later in life, she became friends with Loreen, Lou Ann and Georgia.

Bernice was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Bernice cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On June 7, 1941 Bernice married James Stachovic at Church on the Northside of Chicago of Chicago, IL. Compassionate and devoted, Bernice worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Bernice and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Bernice was blessed with three children, two sons, Ronald and Wayne and one daughter Donna. They were also blessed with four grandchildren, three great grandchildren, Michael, Christine, James and Edward. Bernice was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Bernice was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Bernice would listen before she would act.

Taking her work seriously came naturally to Bernice, and she expected the same from those around her. Bernice was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Bernice was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Bernice handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was taking care of her family with love. She was employed for Sid's Greenhouse. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

A methodical woman, Bernice enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite pursuits were making beautiful crafts and reading books.

A generous and compassionate woman, Bernice accomplished much during her lifetime. Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, Bernice was recognized and given awards for her many and varied efforts throughout her life. She entered a contest with the Chicago Ridge library to read 1000 books, from 2001-2009. She won and was published in citizens paper with her photo.

Not only did Bernice enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included South Dakota; seeing the presidents/Wyoming; saw mountains and beautiful scenary/Canada; Niagra Falls took a boat ride under the falls, loved mountains and Florida, Lakeland.

Since it was easy for Bernice to meet and get to know new people, she quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once she met those new friends, she loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. In retirement, she found new pleasure in traveling around the country in their camper trailer, Going daily to the Burbank Senior Center to meet with all of their friends. Even in retirement, Bernice stayed in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered her.

Bernice passed away on February 16, 2014 at Advocate Christ Hospital, Oak Lawn, IL. Over the years surpassed strokes, last stroke left her unabale to speak or eat and took a bad fall. She is survived by husband James of 72 years. Her children Ronald, Donna, and Wayne. Grandchildren, Michael, Christine, James and Edward. Great grandchildren Shannon, Shawn and Breanna Services were held at Chapel Hill Gardens South Funeral Home. Bernice was laid to rest in Chapel Hill Gardens Couth Cemetery, Oak Lawn, IL.

Bernice was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Bernice was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Bernice A Stachovic.