Bernice Agnes Vavak

Bernice Agnes Vavak, aged 95, passed away peacefully at her son’s home in Wilton, California. She was a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many. She was preceded in death by son, Dwayne Larry, and husband Henry John after 63 years together. Bernice is survived by a son (Ralph), daughter-in-law (Sandra), married granddaughter (Samantha & Joshua Wilkinson), married grandson (Eathan & Crystina Vavak) and four great-grandchildren.

Bernice grew up in Nebraska as a farm girl to sharecropper parents, Joseph Charles Franta and Agnes Tillie Franta. After high school she met her future Marine husband, Henry. Soon after they married, they had their first son, Dwayne, and then Henry returned to combat for several years. Upon his return and after the birth of Ralph, they ended up in the San Diego area to raise the family.

Bernice was a very intelligent, loving wife and mother. Deeply devoted to supporting her husband and ensuring her sons experienced all they could. She never missed a scout meeting, little league game, or school event. She was always backing Henry’s interests and helping the boys with homework.

Bernice was able to attend an IBM school of computer operation and was one of the earliest operators of a keypunch data storage computer. She worked in the retail supply business for over ten years using this computer skill.

Camping was always a big part of her family life. Bernice and Henry seemed to always have a camp trailer that they would drag with the boys all over the deserts and mountains surrounding San Diego. Upon their retirement the camping amplified. They traveled through almost every state in the USA living life to the fullest and building friendships. During that time, Bernice crafted unique jewelry, mastered being a bingo shark, and did other hobbies.

A few years after the passing of her son, Dwayne, and nine months later, Henry, Bernice moved to the Sacramento area to be near her son, Ralph, and the rest of her family. She lived at a beautiful independent living facility for six years before her passing.

Bernice was known as a kind, caring, and non-judgmental person. Always ready with a good laugh about something. She will be greatly missed by family and friends.