Bernice Luxford

With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around her, Bernice Luxford was such a special part of the lives of so many. Although she accomplished so many amazing things, none were greater than the legacy she and her husband created for their family when it comes to what marriage is truly intended to be. Bernice and Donald were partners and best friends, but they were also selfless companions who truly cherished one another. She treasured her role as a mother, but she just might have argued that becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother were her greatest gifts. Deeply loved, Bernice will be forever missed.

While the 1930s were times of great trials as the Great Depression covered our nation and much of the world, the American spirit could still be seen as we celebrated milestones like the completion of the Empire State Building and the first ever Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It was with great anticipation that Stanley and Mary Agnes Perczynski were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby during this same time. It was as the beauty of fall was all around the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, that their wait was finally over on October 23rd when the baby girl they named Bernice Therese drew her first breath. Her father worked for the Grand Rapids Press while her mother cared for the family. Sadly her father died when she was 13. Then her mother worked at the Civic Auditorium.

In many ways, Bernice was a young girl of her generation. As a family they attended Sacred Heart Church, and Bernice attended Sacred Heart School during her earliest years. She later attended Mount Mercy Academy. Bernice took her first job at Standard Oil Company where she did clerical work.

Life was forever changed for Bernice when she met the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Don Luxford, and they met at a New Year’s Eve party. Sparks flew, and it didn’t take them long to find themselves deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Bernice and Don were married at Sacred Heart Church on May 5, 1956. The newlyweds then enjoyed a honeymoon at Niagara Falls and traveling South along the coast to Virginia Beach.

Upon returning home, Bernice and Don were eager to begin their lives together as husband and wife. They spent a short time living in an apartment but soon built what would become their forever home on Fairfield Avenue, NW. Together they welcomed two children, Sharon and Dennis, into their hearts and home. When her children were older, Bernice worked at Michigan Bulb Co for many years.

Don worked hard at his job to support his family, which allowed Bernice to devote everything to their children. The greatest gift that Don gave his family was his unwavering devotion to his wife. Not only did they deeply love one another, but Bernice and Don consciously built their relationship on the firm foundation of love and respect. Over the years, the couple was always first in line if someone was in need of extra care. After both of their fathers passed away, Bernice and Don cared for their mothers whether it was at their home or bringing them along on family travels and adventures. Their family really liked camping, first in pup tents and then progressing to umbrella tents before moving to fold-down campers, and then a travel trailer in later years. They traveled all over the country, camping and staying in motels. Their favorite place to camp closer to home was Ludington State Park.

Once the kids were grown, Don and Bernice were able to have even more time for adventures. They settled at Brower Park on the Muskegon River, and they traveled to all of the lower 48 states. They also took several cruises. Bernice and Don had a core group of friends called the “Beach Combers,” and together the group gathered monthly. At first they were in people’s homes, but they later met at restaurants including at Fingers Restaurant for New Years. As they aged, Bernice and Don also enjoyed the simplicity of feeding and watching the birds, squirrels, and chipmunks on their back deck. Bernice was a devout Catholic whose faith was always a significant part of her life. She enjoyed reading, built an extensive Precious Moments collection, and loved when their travels regularly took them around the country to visit with her sister as the two were very close. When her mother was alive, Bernice was also close to her, and they spoke every day. Bernice liked to cook and host family gatherings.

All who knew Bernice Luxford would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She had a great sense of humor and a special place in her heart for animals, but it was through her selfless and compassionate acts of service that Bernice really shined. Life will never be the same without her here, but she leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her family and friends will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

Bernice Therese Luxford age 87, of Grand Rapids, passed away on October 10, 2021 exactly one year after her husband, Donald. She was also preceded in death by her son, Dennis Luxford; son-in-law, Edwin Lindberg; parents, Stanley and Mary Perczynski; and sister, Sister M. Rose Sharon SSND. Bernice is survived by her daughter, Sharon Lindberg; grandchildren, Edwin Lindberg (Samantha Raucci), Jessica (Austen) TenHopen; great-grandchildren, Sidalee and Mason TenHopen; sister-in-law, Leona Crabbs; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Bernice was a graduate of Mt. Mercy, a member of Holy Spirit Parish and worked at Michigan Bulb for many years. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2 PM on Tuesday, October 19 at Holy Spirit Parish, 2230 Lake Michigan Dr NW. Friends are invited to visit with Bernice’s family from 2-4 and 6-8 PM, with a Rosary at 7:30, on Monday, October 18 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Contributions in her memory may be made to Holy Spirit Education Foundation. Please visit www.heritagelifestory.com to read Bernice’s life story, submit a favorite memory, photo, or to sign the guestbook online.