Bernice (Gregonis) Stefanowicz, 92, formerly of Ashland, passed away Friday morning at ManorCare Health Services, Lebanon.

Born in Shenandoah, Oct. 8, 1924, she was a daughter of the late Michael and Mary (Glaudel) Gregonis.

She was a 1942 graduate of the former J.W. Cooper High School, Shenandoah.

Making her contribution to the World War II effort, Bernice worked in a factory in New York making ignition switches.

On May 22, 1949, in St. Casimir's Church, Shenandoah, she married Alexander J. "Alex" Stefanowicz. The young couple met at a dance at the once-popular Maher's Dance Hall in Shenandoah. He preceded her in death on May 11, 2008, just days before their 59th anniversary.

While she resided in Ashland, she was a devout member of the former St. Mauritius Church, where she actively volunteered for parish functions.

Bernice enjoyed cooking and sewing; however, spending time with her cherished family was of greatest importance to her.

Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents and her husband, were her grandson, Jeffrey Mensinger; three brothers, Louis Gregonis, Mitchel Gregonis and Walter Gregonis; two sisters, Helen Chesla and Mary Witkowski. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Surviving are a son, Michael Stefan and his wife, Kathy Whitehall; four daughters, Louise Payne, Williamsport, Jean Stefanowicz, Friedensburg, Ann Kozlowski and her husband, Bernard, Palmyra, and Ellen Oravitz and her husband, Ronald, Thomasville; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and their families.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 1115 Walnut St., Ashland. The Rev. Paul L. Rothermel will officiate. Relatives and friends may call from 10 until 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church. Interment will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah, is in charge of the arrangements.