RUSSELL – Bernice Elizabeth (Church) Liptak, passed away on March 23, 2014 at home, surrounded by her family and caregivers. Bernice was born July 18, 1924 on Main Street in Russell to the late Ernest and Elizabeth (Gafga) Church.She lived in Russell her entire life. In January of 1942, she married Edward R. Liptak and together they raised three girls. They celebrated 66 years of marriage together before Eddie’s death in 2008. She was a communicant of Our Lady of the Rosary Church, now Holy Family Parish in Russell where she taught CCD for many years. She also was the first lifeguard at the Russell Swimming Pool.
She is survived by 3 daughters, Elizabeth Thayer and her husband Richard of Westfield, Diane Culler and her husband Robert of Florida and Linda Tubbs and her husband Ernest of North Greenbush, NY. Bernice had 9 grandchildren, Roberta, Christine, Brent, Brad, Robert, Derek, Stacie, Brian and Nathan. She also had 19 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Joan (Church) Alyward of East Longmeadow and a very special cousin, Jane Castro of Russell along with many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to express their appreciation to special caregivers Nancy Macken, Debbie Gardner and Carla Ford and also to the Noble Hospice Staff especially Dr. Horrigan, Lisa and Peter.
The funeral for Bernice will be held on Wednesday, March 26th at 11:00 a.m. in Holy Family Parish, Route 20, Russell. Burial will be held in the spring in Russell Cemetery. Prior to the funeral mass, a calling hour will be held from 9:00-10:00 a.m. at the Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bernice can be sent to Holy Family Parish, Route 20, Russell, MA 01071 or to Noble VNA and Hospice, 77 Mill Street, Westfield, MA 01085.
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