Mrs. Burns was a sales clerk at Egyptian Stationary Store before her retirement. She was a charter member of the Catholic War Veterans Auxiliary and also a member of the Belleville Senior Citizens Club. Bernice belonged to St. Henry’s Catholic Church and was a member of the Ladies Sodality and the quilting group at the church.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Delmar J. Burns, whom she married on November 6, 1946, and who died on May 30, 2012; her parents, Adolph and Barbara, nee Fellner, Schwaegel; two brothers, Raymond and Clyde Schwaegel; and a sister, Dorothy Macke.
Surviving are two daughters, Karen M. Burns (companion, Jack Kastner) of Lampe, MO,
and Audrey A. (Richard) Cygan of Fairview Heights, IL;
two sons, Kevin C. (Judith) Burns of Leesburg, VA,
and Christopher J. Burns of La Grange, IL;
11 grandchildren, Stephen Cygan,
Tricia (Mike) Viviano,
Eric Burns,
Amy (Rick) Williams,
Megan Burns, Andrew Burns,
Patrick Burns, Kate Burns,
Carson Burns, Chandler Burns,
and Mason Burns;
four great-grandchildren, Caroline and Benjamin Williams,
Wesley Romeo,
And Carissa Viviano;
one sister, Celeste (Stan) Agne of Belleville, IL;
one brother, Cletus (Dorothy) Schwaegel of O’Fallon, IL;
one sister-in-law, Helen Tonnies of Breese, IL;
and nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Belleville Diocesan Ministry to the Sick & Aged, to St. Henry’s Catholic Church, or to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2015, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, July 25, 2015, at St. Henry’s Catholic Church, Belleville, IL. A Catholic War Veterans Post 370 Ladies Auxiliary ritual will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 25, 2015, at St. Henry Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Eugene Neff officiating. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Shiloh, IL.
Condolences Left For Bernice Burns
So sorry to hear of the loss of your precious Mom. We both have lost our Moms so truly know the pain and the hole it leaves in your heart and your life. May thoughts and memories of her soon come to bring much needed comfort and joy and replace much of the grave sadness you now feel. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts. Prayers for comfort are yours.
Rudy & Saunnie Yelton-Stanley, Racine, Wisconsin, 53403
With deepest sympathy and caring thoughs as you honor a treasured life.
Anita R Becherer, Swansea , IL, 62223
Your mom was a great lady and I’m so sorry for your loss. We only have one mom, so it’s always a blow to lose her, no matter her age.
Carole Rees Murray, Castle Rock, Colorado, 80108
Sadden to hear of your Mothers passing. Fond memories of her during my childhood. Wonderful Lady. God Bless you all now and always.
Janet Vejvoda – Groh, CLERMONT, Florida, 34711
You have my deepest sympathy on your loss. She was a very nice lady. She was always there on a Sunday morning for the Rosary and for church services.
Gary L Simpson, Fairview Heights, Illinois, 62208
Kevin & Family,
It has been a long time since our days at St. Henry’s however I wanted to express my sympathies to you and your Family upon reading of your Mom’s passing. With all of her grandchildren she must have enjoyed a very fulfilled life. She and your Family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Bill Thompson, Naperville, Illinois, 60565
Our deepest sympathy to the family. Sorry but we will not be able to come to funeral home, but know we are thinking of you at this sad time in your live. John & Shirley Holdener
John & Shirley Holdener, Keyesport, Illinois, 62253
Sincere sympathy to the entire Burns family upon the passing of their beloved mother, Bernice. Audrey, I remember good times at your home while we were in grade school; your mom always welcomed your friends into your home. May she rest in peace and special prayers for your family at this difficult time. Sincere sympathy, Carol (Welzbacher) and David Bollman
Carol Welzbacher) Bollman, Smithton, IL, 62285
My deepest sympathy to the Burns family. I will keep you in my prayers.
Patty (Wade) Stevens, Swansea, IL, 62226
Dear Karen, Audrey, Kevin & Chris,
What a wonderful person your mom was! From trusting me to babysit for her kids, to making a quilt when I got married, to being the best neighbor anyone could have, to forgiving me for hitting a softball through her basement window, to always being so happy to visit with me, to raising great kids, to being a best friend to my mom, her next door neighbor, to loving your dad completely til the end. She was a great lady. We were blessed to have her on Bier Street. May God bless you all.
Love, Rita
Rita Malacarne Chaney, Columbus Junction, Iowa, 52738