Berneice L. Levendosky

In the whirlwind of life's busyness, Berneice Sears Levendosky never lost sight of what was important in life. Her priorities were faith, family and friends. Lovingly described by some as a "June Cleaver" kind of wife and mother, Berneice was also a very determined woman. She knew what she wanted for herself and her family and worked hard to make it a reality, all supported by her deep faith in God.

Although the year 1930 found most of the country struggling through the "Great Depression," there were still signs that people were doing their best to bring a little sunshine into their lives. The song "On the Sunny Side of the Street" was popular as was the comic strip "Blondie." For James and Christine (Haug) Sears, life in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1930 was not without its hardships. James worked for the city doing street repairs while Christine cared for the home and family. Christine had come to America from Norway, scheduled to sail on the ship "Titanic." Fortunately, her parents would not let her leave until she finished school. Life was precious to James and Christine and on December 8, 1930, they celebrated the new life of their seventh of eight of children, a daughter they named Berneice.

Berneice's family was very close knit, held firm by the things money couldn't buy. They survived the desolation of the depression by relying on each other for comfort and support. This comfort and support was especailly needed when Berneice's mother died. Berneice was just 11 years old and went to live with her older sister Claire and her husband.

Berneice attended South High School and left school to find work, eventually ending up at General Motors. One day, while sailing across Lake Michigan on the Milwaukee Clipper ferry, she met a young man named John Levendosky. John was on his way to Wisconsin for a boat race. He worked for Carl Keikhaefer, the founder of Mercury Motors. Although John was smitten by the lovely Berneice, the feeling was not immediately mutual. However, John was persistent, Berneice relented, and a wonderful relationship began. The two were married by a Justice of the Peace on March 4, 1949.

The young couple set up housekeeping in their newly purchased home on Colrain Street. They soon sold this home and bought John's father's home on 843 Lincoln St., NW. This would be the family home for the rest of their lives together.

Children soon filled the Levendosky home as son John was born in 1950. He was followed by Jimmy in 1952, Chris in 1957, Sherrie in 1960 and Robin in 1962. Son John fondly remembers when he and his dad cooked steak for Robin's birthday. It was especially memorable because they almost burned the house down. Berneice left her job at General Motors to care for her growing family.

Berneice was the cook in the family, and every meal was prepared as though it were Sunday dinner. The evening meal was ready promptly at 5:00 PM and the family always ate together. Berneice always decided the menu - suggestions were not taken Holidays were spent at John and Berneice's home, the place where everyone always felt comfortable. Thanks to a recipe from John's family, Berneice's stuffing was always a favorite dish.

Berneice ran her home the way she wanted. She could have a bit of a temper and both she and John made sure they got their point across to whoever was listening. Family was always first and foremost with Berneice. The two older boys often spent time with their father while the girls remember being closer to their mother. It was important to Berneice that her children be raised in the Christian faith and the family attended Calvary Church for many years. With John working, Berneice was the one who attended school functions and stayed involved in her children's activities. She also had many close friends she enjoyed spending time with, especially those friendships from when she was a young girl.

The family often took vacations together, to Florida and northern Michigan. After John retired, they enjoyed more travels to Florida, and took pleasure in day trips to Zeeland to get onions or Greenville for a chicken dinner. They always returned home before dark, wanting to make sure nothing happened to John's pride and joy, his silver Cadillac.

Berneice, as busy as she was with her family, always found time to help others. She gave to charities like Mel Trotter Ministries, and often baked holiday goodies for the paperboy and mailman. "That poor soul" could often be heard when Berneice saw someone in need.

Tragedy struck when John died suddenly on December 10, 1997 from heart disease. As strong a woman as she was, this was still devastating for Berneice. It was hard for her to imagine living the rest of her life alone. Fortunately, grandchildren lived close by and kept a loving eye on their grandmother, especially after she developed kidney disease. After a day of dialysis, granddaughters Ashley, Lindsey and Erin would be waiting for Berneice at her home, would help her into her pajamas and help her eat her dinner. Over the last few years Berneice had also developed a special friendship with an old friend, Bob Constantino. They enjoyed each other's company and would go out to dinner or to a movie.

Those who truly give are those who truly care. Berneice truly cared about her family and those around her. All who knew her will remember her spirit of giving and strong determination. She will be dearly missed.

Mrs. Berneice Levendosky, aged 74, of Grand Rapids, passed away and went to be with her Lord on Friday, November 18, 2005. She was preceded in death by her husband John, in 1997 and 5 siblings. Berneice is survived by her children, John Jr, (Marijane) Levendosky, Jim Levendosky, Chris Van Oeffelen, Sherrie (Michael) Czarnopis, and Robin (Brian) Bergmans; grandchildren, Jennifer (Eric) Elling, James, John, Scott, Lisa (Ryan) Lenhart, Ashley, Lindsey, Erin, Brian, and Michael; great-grandchildren, Grace Elling, Brady Elling, Macie Lenhart, and Nathan Van Oeffelen; and siblings, Francis Wilcoxson and Harvey (Nancy) Sears. The Funeral service will be held at 11 A.M. on Wednesday, November 23, 2005 at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. N.W. Friends and relatives may meet her family at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2-4 P.M. and 7-9 P.M. Please visit Berneice's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory, or make a memorial contribution to the American Kidney Foundation.