Bernice Hurwitz Cantile

Bernice Hurwitz Cantile, founder of Menger Smart Shop, passed away on Wednesday, December 22, 2004. She was born on December 11, 1913 in Tiffin, Ohio. An icon in the world of San Antonio fashion and a member of an elite vanguard, Bernice Cantile, using her fashion knowledge and business acumen, became a role model for many women seeking a place in the male dominated world of business. She moved to San Antonio in 1943 and opened the successful Bernice Hart Millinery store on Alamo Plaza specializing in women's hats and accessories. In 1950, a move and a change in the name occurred and Bernice Hart Millinery became Menger Smart Shop and expanded to include women's ready-to-wear. The store opened under the premise that every woman, regardless of financial status should be "treated like a queen." Fifty-four years later, the store is still operating under the same premise. Bernice touched many lives and was the "hub of the wheel" that kept everything together whether it was business, family or social. In a time when the working woman was not the "norm," Bernice managed to run a successful business, raise a family, enjoy a multitude of friends and be an inspiration to all she knew. She was a very "tough lady" but one with a "heart of gold" and she will be remembered and missed by all she knew. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sarah Goldman and Isaac Hurwitz; her husband, Beryl Cantile; her son, Lee Cantile; her sisters, Estelle Keilson, Lillian Greenbaum, and Florence Pakula; and brother, Elliott Hurwitz. She is survived by her daughter, Sonya "Sunny" Wager and husband, Gene; grandchildren, Bryan Norris and wife, Wendy, Donna Norris, Stacey Hickman and husband, Bruce; great grandchildren, Amber Norris, Jordan Norris, and Madison Hickman; brother, Alvin Hurwitz and wife, Sherlie, and many loving nieces and nephews including Ivan and Kathy Hurwitz, Stanley Keilson and Sydnei and Allan Levin; and very dear friend, Helen Dahl.