Bernice Zeman

Bernice Katherine Zeman, age 93, passed away peacefully into the waiting arms of Jesus on February 16, 2024.

Bernice was born on January 12, 1931 in Muskegon, Michigan to the late Felix and Katherine Styburski. She was preceded in death her parents, her husband, Henry of 61 years in 2015, and her daughter, Theresa Zeman in 2012.

Bernice was a caring and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and volunteer, who will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by her sons: James (Janel) and children Lauren and Jarrett; William (Dianne) and children Christina and Andy; Paul (Marie) and children Jacquelyn, Daniel, and Samantha; her sister, Dorothy Sessions; brothers, Harry Styburski, and Thomas Styburski; sister-in-law, Helen Emelander, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Bernice was a 1948 graduate of Coopersville High School, and was a secretary in Grand Haven before her marriage to Henry on June 19, 1954. After caring for all her children until they entered school, she will be remembered as the full-time secretary of Holy Spirit Elementary School for 29 years, and was honored in 1995 as the Support Staff Member of the Year in the Diocese of Grand Rapids for the outstanding contributions she made to the school. She worked for several school principals. Most would comment that Bernice “really ran the place.” She also was a member of the Holy Spirit Altar Society. In retirement she sent many cards to parish homebound and nursing home residents, and she volunteered her services helping the Holy Spirit funeral luncheon committee. Bernice and Henry were members and volunteers for the Polish Heritage Society, and were chosen the 2008 PHS Citizens of the Year. Bernice also worked the 2000 U.S. Census and was an election worker for 14 years. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren, family and friends. She enjoyed her roses and flower gardens, starting new rose bushes, trying new recipes, traveling, crafts, sudoku puzzles and reading. Bernice provided endless loaves of banana bread.

Bernice made friends wherever she went. At work, at church or at Covenant Living retirement community where she lived her last 8 years. There are too many to mention, though two special friends, Julia Schnapp and Joyce Turmell were with her daily as Bernice needed extra help near the end.

Bernice was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church for over 65 years and where a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 11 AM, with interment in Holy Cross Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Tuesday from 4-7 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr NW, where a Rosary will be held at 7 PM, and beginning at 10 AM Wednesday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Hospice, 401 Hall St SW, Suite 263 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 or the Holy Spirit Educational Foundation, 2230 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.

The family would like to give thanks to the caregivers at Covenant Living assisted living division, Interim Healthcare and the amazing people with Emmanuel. An online guestbook may be signed at www.heritagelifestory.com.