Bernice C. Stem

STEM - Bernice C., 92; Brownstown Boro., passed away on September 17, 2022 at the Allegheny Lutheran Home.  Born March 12, 1930 in Johnstown, daughter of Paul and Anna (Sabo) Hahn.  Preceded in death by parents; siblings Robert, J. Paul, Leo, Anna Smith, Freda Smith, and Bobby; husband, Richard J. Stem; and son, Mark Stem. She was the last survivor of her immediate family.  Survived by loving sons, Richard G. (Beth); David (Karen); Robert (Elaine); Bryan (Joyce); daughter-in-law, Anita Stem; sister-in-law, Ann Hahn; grandchildren, Sarah Riggle (Josh), David (Katie), Joseph, Richard (Ashley), Maggie, Lauren, Clare Mayer (Benjamin), Emily Varga (Zachary), Rebecca, Michael; and great grandchildren, Alexa, Aiden, Evan Riggle, Richelle Stem, and one great grandson on the way.  Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She loved them all and had a special relationship with her niece Mary Ann (Mim) Burgess.  Bernice started her career working the bottling line at Goenner’s Brewery with her sister Freda. They were the original Laverne and Shirley!  She retired from the former Penn Traffic Store. She was a 20 year volunteer with the St. Vincent DePaul Society. She was a “true blue” democrat and a former Judge of Elections for Brownstown Boro. Bernice loved her family. She raised five boys who blessed her with her girls, six granddaughters! Ten grandchildren altogether, boys and girls, she loved them dearly and followed every activity they participated in. She could be heard humming along at school choral concerts and high school musicals, and vociferously cheering on the kids’ sports team (often offering corrections to the officials’ calls)! Her Catholic faith was very important to her. In her later years, she started every day by watching televised Mass and praying her rosary. A lifetime member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Brownstown, she supported her church in many ways. She especially enjoyed singing in the choir. A few weeks before she died, she was so happy to be able to attend the church picnic where she connected with old friends and neighbors. Bernice was a talented seamstress who loved to sew clothing for her grandchildren and performed alterations for many people. She was also the best babysitter not only to her own grandchildren but to other people’s children as well.  Bernice was loved by many. The family is particularly grateful to Sr. Nancy Kline, CSJ for her many years of support and friendship. She has been a blessing to the entire family. During the past year, Bernice called the Allegheny Lutheran Home, her home. She was loved and cared for by a team of wonderful people. The family is so grateful for their kindness and compassion. They brought joy to her day. Bernice’s Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, the Very Rev. Mark S. Begley, V.F.  Committal will follow at Grandview Mausoleum.  Friends received Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Francis G. Ozog Funeral Home Inc. Broad Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made of Bernice Stem to St. Vincent DePaul Society or to St. Michael Catholic Church in Brownstown. 

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