Bernice J. Sarwacinski

(nee, Walas)

Hammond IN

Bernice J. Sarwacinski, age 87, of Hammond, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 11, 2014.

She is survived by six sons: Robert (Belen), David, Daniel (Cynthia), Joseph (Lisa), Albert (Coleen) and Edwin (Peggy) Sarwacinski; one daughter: Angeline Sarwacinski (Jose Escobedo); two sisters: Helen Yankey and Jean Lauricella; many grandchildren, great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Chester Sarwacinski; parents: Joseph Walas, Anna and Joseph Zimnowski; four sisters: Charlotte Holleran, Valerie Walas, Irene Stutz and Joan Winter; grandchildren: Michael Sarwacinski and Helen Hoskins.

Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 6605 Kentucky Ave., Hammond, IN with Father Larry Kew celebrant. Burial will follow at Chapel Lawn Cemetery in Schererville, IN. Friends are invited to meet with the family for a time of visitation on Monday, December 15, 2014 at Bocken Funeral Home, 7042 Kennedy Avenue, Hammond IN from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. There will also be a time of viewing directly at the church on Tuesday morning from 10:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

Bernice was raised in East Chicago, IN. She started her married life and family there with her beloved Chester and then in 1957 they moved to Hammond (Hessville). She was a faithful, devoted parishioner of St. Catherine of Siena Church and past member of their Rosary Society. Bernice volunteered her time at the Carmelite Monastery and the St. Joseph Soup Kitchen. She enjoyed listening to polka music, spending time with her grandchildren, attending their activities and many other family events. She was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother and dear friend who will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Memorials may be made to St. Catherine of Siena Church. For further information please call Bocken Funeral Home at 219-844-1600 or visit us at www.bockenfunerals.com.