Bernice V. (Kulpa) Ward, 95, died peacefully at her home of four years, the Chautauqua County Home, Dunkirk, N.Y. on Saturday (Oct. 20, 2012).
Born March 12, 1917, she was the daughter of the late John and Sophia (Jurczak) Kulpa. Her husband, Gerald H. Ward, whom she married on Feb. 14, 1942, died Aug. 13, 1964.
Bernice attended St. Hyacinth's School, and was a member of St. Hyacinth's Church and the former St. Mary's Parish, later St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Dunkirk.
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Bernice V. (Kulpa) Ward
In her early years, Bernice worked in Buffalo and later at the Buffalo Greater Press and Crocker & Sprague in Dunkirk along with being a housewife.
An avid pinochle player noted for her excellent cooking and baking skills, Bernice will always be remembered as "Ma" to all who knew her. Ma loved the lake and introduced each grandchild at an early age to the lake with days spent and long walks to Point Gratiot. Bernice was the proud matriarch of five generations and nothing meant more to her than family.
Survivors include one daughter, Diane (late Joseph) Bohn of Dunkirk; three sons: the Very Rev. Mark Ward, CP. VF of Morgantown, W. Va., Fred Ward of Dunkirk, N.Y., and Gary Ward of Berwick, Pa.; grandsons: Michael (Joanne) Bohn, Fredonia and David Bohn, Dunkirk; granddaughters: Kelly Ward, Kenmore, N.Y. and Kristen Ward of Batavia, N.Y.; great-grandsons; Matthew (Alanna) Bohn, Joshua Borrello and Justin Borrello; great-granddaughter Madysen Hennault; great-great grandson Ashton Bohn, great-great granddaughter Ayva Bohn; siblings Edmund (Katie) Kulpa, Phyllis Knight and Irene Rozumalski all of Dunkirk; and several nieces and nephews.
Beside her parents and husband, Bernice was preceded by two brothers and five sisters.
At the request of Bernice, there will be no calling hours. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church Dunkirk, N.Y.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Chautauqua County Home or the Order of the Passionist Community, St. Paul of the Cross, 148 Monastery Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15203.
Arrangements are by the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home, Dunkirk, N.Y.
