Bernice Wusz passed away August 12 at the age of 95, with her kind heart, good humor, and positive spirit intact through the end, with the loving compassion of Hospice. Bernice was born in 1919 and lived in Portland her whole life, in a total of three houses over ninety-five years.

She was the beloved mother of three children, the sister of sixteen siblings, the grandmother of five, the great-grandmother of four, and the devoted wife of Frank for 67 years. She played a special role in many children's lives through her home day care for almost thirty years. She and Frank were a part of the drag racing scene for 25 years. Bernice was beloved by neighbors, friends, family, and fellow parishioners at St. Ignatius, her parish for 75 years.

Bernice was well-known for her pastries and cookies, which she shared freely. Gardening was long-time passion and is what kept her young and flexible in her elder years. She loved playing Bunco and Rummikub with friends, and her competitive spirit kept her winning. She was a caring friend to many in illness.

Bernice is survived by her children Tim (Bonnie) Wusz of Anaheim, California; Karen (Lyle) Latvala of Coaldale, Colorado; and daughter-in-law Becky (Bill) Wusz. Bernice was pre-deceased by her son, Nick, in 1994, and her husband Frank, in 2008. She is also survived by two of her sixteen siblings: Mary Seath of Vancouver, British Columbia and Monsignor Arthur Dernbach of Beaverton, Oregon.

A Funeral Mass in Bernice's honor will be at St. Ignatius Catholic Church on Tuesday, August 25 at 10am, followed by a light reception celebrating her life at the church hall. The burial will follow at 1pm at Gethsemani Cemetery, where Bernice will be laid to rest next to Frank and Nick.

Donations in memory of Bernice can be sent to St. Ignatius School Foundation.