Racine – Bernice Mae Sullivan, 88, received the promise of eternal life on Wednesday, September 9, 2015. She was born in Racine on November 28, 1926, daughter of the late Peter and Mary (nee: Barth) DeGroot.
Bernice was united in marriage to the love of her life, Paul Robert Sullivan, on May 8, 1948. Paul preceded her in death on April 2, 1988.
Bernice was the manager of the St. Edward School lunch program for many years prior to her retirement. She loved sports and was an avid Cub fan. Bernice also enjoyed watching Packers and Bucks games. She played Sheepshead and loved to go bowling. Bernice loved her family and friends dearly and was considered “Gram” by everyone.
Bernice leaves to cherish her memory, her sons, Patrick (Carol) Sullivan, Daniel (Julie) Sullivan; daughters, Sheri (Bob Sproat) King, Mary Wade, Margaret (David) Christensen; grandchildren, Tracy (Mark) Gates, Paul Garchek, Ryan (Jana) King, Jeremy Sullivan, Katie (Kris) Sullivan-McDonald, Jason Sullivan, Brian (Jacki) Sullivan, Erin Scharping, Kelli Scharping, Holly Scharping, Kevin (fiancé: Renee Spencer) Scharping, Christian Wade, Jordan Wade, John Christensen, Jamie Christensen, Jessie Christensen; great-grandchildren, Hailey Lawrence, Connor Lawrence, Hunter Garchek, Jacob King, Lucas King, Jack Scharping, Amos Spencer, Alexandra Spencer; sister, Joan Seitz; sisters-in-law, Vivian DeGroot, Rosemary DeGroot, Joan DeGroot, Jean Sullivan, Mary Sullivan; brothers-in-law, Frank (Angie) Sullivan, Eugene Cantele; other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
In addition to her parents and husband, Bernice is preceded in death by her grandson, Erik Sullivan; brothers, Raymond (June) DeGroot, Gerald (Marian) DeGroot, Edward (Evelyn) DeGroot, Donald DeGroot, Richard DeGroot; sisters, Eleanor (Bernard) Arentz, Evelyn (Wayne) Frayer; and brother-in-law, Donald Seitz.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 14, 2015, 7:00pm, at St. Edward Catholic Church, 1401 Grove Avenue, with Rev. Allen Bratkowski officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00pm until the time of the Mass. Burial will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2015, 9:00am, at West Lawn Memorial Park, 9000 Washington Avenue. Family and friends are asked to meet at the gate of the cemetery on Tuesday.
The family would like to thank Dr. Turner, Dr. Niebuhr and the CICU Staff on the 3rd Floor at Wheaton Franciscan Hospital for the wonderful care that was provided to her. We very much appreciate your kindness during this difficult time.
Melissa Wade says
I had the pleasure of knowing this great woman when Mary and I became sister in laws. She always had a smile on her face. She was always kind. She could whip up a meal at a moment’s notice. She adored her family. Truly a great woman who will be forever missed.