Bernice Francis O’Connor, 103, formerly of Vestal, passed away peacefully at the Iroquois Nursing Home, Jamesville, NY, Tuesday, February 7, 2017. She was born on January 24, 1914, at home in Tioga County, PA, to parents Adda and Wallace Krise. Bernice graduated from Liberty High School, Liberty, PA, in 1932. She was predeceased by her husband of 69 years, Roger, her brother, George Krise, and her sister, Jeanetta Lundy. Bernice is survived by a son, Gary O’Connor (Caroline) of Baldwinsville, NY, daughter, Daryla Rucker (Lloyd) of New Port Richey, FL; grandchildren Douglas O’Connor of Carlsbad, CA, Erin VanMarter of Liverpool, NY, Tara Delaney of Gardner, MA, Matthew Stever of Farmington, NY; great grandchildren Andrew VanMarter, Mark VanMarter, Alendria O’Connor, Lucille Stever, Amelia Delaney, and many nieces and nephews. Bernice resided in Vestal for over 66 years, working at various jobs, and later worked as business manager for her husband’s trucking business. After retirement, she and Roger spent many years traveling in their motorhome, spending winters in Florida. In 2011, she moved to Baldwinsville, NY, and became a full time resident at the Park Terrace assisted living facility, and lived there until her recent health issues. Park Terrace was a place she loved and fondly called home. Bernice was a very active and talented woman known for her skills in cooking, baking and the knitting of hats and scarves. She was very proud and determined to reach 103 years of age. She will be missed.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday 1 pm from the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, with the Reverend Michael Willis, Pastor of her church officiating. Burial will be in Vestal Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home Wednesday from 12 pm until service time at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Meals on Wheels of Western Broome, 705 West Main Street, Endicott, NY 13760.