Sister Bernice was born and raised in Harrison, Ohio, the youngest of 10 children – five boys and five girls. Two of those siblings died as children. Starting her life not in comfort but in courage, she was born in a garage, entering the world in a way that seems almost symbolic of the life she would lead, revealing God’s first sign she would become the strong and caring person she is today.
The family home had burned down in March while her mother was pregnant with her. Making the best of the situation, the family moved into their 3-car garage, hanging sheets to divide makeshift rooms. Sister Bernice (Betty) came along in August, and they continued making the garage their home until their house was rebuilt and, thanks to good neighbors who came to the rescue and helped rebuild, they were able to move back into their home in late winter. From her very first breath, her life was rooted in perseverance, community, and grace.
Growing up, Sister Bernice recalls the family reunions they had every year in August. There was always a picnic, races, and ball games, a time of fun and games. To her delight, on her 50th Jubilee Celebration, her brother and sister-in-law hosted a family reunion in Harrison in her honor, recreating a cherished gathering, bringing so much joy, and reminding her of the old times.
There was always a very strong bond with her family. Sister Bernice remembers when her oldest brother was called to war. They would pray the rosary daily for him during the time he served in World War II. They would kneel down to pray in the evenings as a family, strengthening that family bond even further.
Sister Bernice attended St. John the Baptist, a four-room school with three classrooms in Harrison, where she was taught by the Sisters of Charity. She then continued her high school education at Immaculate Conception Academy (now Oldenburg Academy) with the hope of one day becoming a Sister.
Tragedy struck during her high school years, which influenced her decision to enter the Sisters of St. Francis. Sister Bernice’s oldest brother Jerome, the one that survived the war, was killed on his farm. He left behind a wife and three young children (ages 2, 4, and 6). She knew after that she wanted to give her life to God, realizing life was too short to question her calling. Although it was several years later before she entered, this might have been the one thing that sealed the deal for her.
During the formative years, Sister Bernice’s call was enhanced further by the example and the encouragement of her aunt, Sister Bernita, who also happened to be a Sister of St. Francis Sister Bernice waited until the following year after her graduation from high school before she entered the community as a Postulate. Immediately following graduation, she went back home to help take care of her grandma, who had lived with them for 14 years. This experience furthered her confirmation of her calling. Through her experience with her grandma, she learned patience and ministering to older people. Her grandma died that September, and Sister Bernice entered the convent the following February, answering a prayer of her mom and dad that one of their children would enter religious life.
Life as a Sister was much as she expected it to be since she had been around it so much with her aunt. Like many Sisters, she started in education, teaching in schools in Indiana. One of her most memorable accomplishments came while teaching at Holy Name in Beech Grove, Indiana, where she courageously transformed the tradition of a Passion Play to the Living Way of the Cross. The eighth graders brought the Stations of the Cross to life. It became a real parish event to see. Sister Bernice always looked forward to who would take on the roles of the characters. She also appreciated the children’s choir accompaniment. This tradition lives on today.
Sister Bernice also spent time in formation work in the community, working with aspirants and as the Novice Director. After that, she spent the next 28 years as Motherhouse Minister, something out of her comfort zone at the time, but after 24 years of teaching and formation work, she took on the challenge. Her biggest concern when she started was how to work without “lesson plans”. Her doubt was soon forgotten as she found it a good fit for her and realized this role for her was God at work, placing her where she could best serve in that time.
Sister Bernice has been retired for eight years now. She now has the time to feel more relaxed and less of the day-to-day responsibilities, allowing her to be more serviceable and freer to do what is needed. She finds joy in simple moments: a game of cards, Rummikub with friends, and shared laughter.
Although she is retired, God is not finished with her yet. Currently Sister Bernice serves on the liturgy committee here at the Motherhouse. She also volunteers her time to teach religion classes to adults with special needs. She feels it is a privilege to be part of this program, and you can’t help seeing the joy it brings to her as she talks about it, reveling in the inspiration she herself receives from these students. Through these encounters, she has learned to be more contemplative, learning to find God in each moment. No matter the journey, God is present.
We are profoundly grateful for Sister Bernice. For her strength born of hardship. For her steady faith through grief. For her courage to say yes. For her gentle leadership. For her calm demeanor. Her life has been a testimony: when you give everything to God, He builds something beautiful.