Bernice M. Szocinski, 96, a resident of Katherine Casper Home after coming from Avon Park, Fla., passed away at 8:13 p.m. Sunday, April 10, 2016.

Bernice was born in Afton, Mich. on March 16, 1920, to Arthur J. and Anna M. (Amthor) Brasseur.

She became the bride of Stanley L. Szocinski, and to this union came four children: Rosanne, Phyllis, Mary Jane and Stan.

Bernice was a school teacher for 30 years in Jackson, Mich., teaching in both St. John Catholic School and East Jackson Public Schools, before her retirement in 1981. In those years, she attained a Master’s degree and was hours away from getting her second Master’s degree.

In 1985, she would move to Avon Park, Fla. where she made many more friends and became involved in her community.

Bernice was a member of the MEA (negotiation board), the Blue Army prayer group, a 3rd Order Carmelite, MARSP, Phi Beta Kappa, Delta Kappa Gamma, Campers Coho #77 and volunteered for the American Red Cross. She also at one point in her life, volunteered in an orphanage in Peru on a mission trip.

She was an avid reader. Bernice enjoyed sewing and making clothing for herself and her family, and making hats. But above all, she loved her family and was a wonderful grandmother and mother.

Bernice is survived by her children: Sister Roseann O.P., Grand Rapids, Mich.; Phyllis (Michael) Peterson, Dowagiac, Mich.; Mary Jane (Mitchell) Martz, Parma, Mich.; and Stan (Joanie) Szocinski, Auburndale, Fla.; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and brother: Carl Brasseur, Cadillac, Mich. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and nine siblings.

A Rosary will be recited at 5:15 p.m. Friday, April 15, in the Catherine Kasper Chapel. Visitation will be held one hour prior to Mass beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 16, in the Catherine Kasper Home Chapel, Donaldson. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:15 a.m. Saturday. Burial will be in Avon Park Cemetery, Avon Park, Fla. Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions can be made to Catherine Kasper Life Center, Donaldson, or Marshall County Hospice, Plymouth.