Bernice Ann Ghastin

Bernice Ann Ghastin entered into eternal life on Friday, October 4, 2019 at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids surrounded by her loving family. She was 89. Bernice Ann Buchan was born on July 8, 1930 to parents Lester and Florence Ethelyn Buchan (née Holman). She was one of eight children. Bernice attended St. Francis High School and graduated in 1948. While in school she met the love of her life Martin J. Ghastin. They were united in marriage on September 17, 1949 and celebrated seventy years of marriage and the birth of their four children: Patrick, Robert, LouAnn, and Michele. Bernice had a passion for life, a great sense of humor, and a quick wit. She grew up on the Buchan Cherry farm of Old Mission Peninsula where they maintain a house today with a view of “her” island. Bernice was an accomplished bridge player and played as often as possible. In the days prior to back surgery, she was an avid golfer with a “hole in one” to her credit. She enjoyed travel to many foreign countries and enjoyed many cruises. Bernice loved to dance with Marty. They have been “snow birds” for 26 years enjoying the best of both worlds. Members in Traverse City of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and T.C. Country Club, and Our Lady Queen of Angels Church and Tara Golf & Country Club in Bradenton, Florida. She will be missed by many for she touched so many lives with beauty and grace. Bernice is survived by her husband of seventy years, Martin Ghastin; sons Patrick Ghastin and Robert Ghastin; daughters LouAnn Hale and Michele (Billy) Butler; brother Richard “Dick” Buchan; grandchildren Derrek Hale and Heather Hale; and a multitude of friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; siblings Mary Alice Glauch, Margaret Ivanchich, Pauline Zoulek, Patricia Toomey, Norman Buchan, and Rita Carpenter. A Mass of Christian Burial for Bernice is to be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 11, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Old Mission Peninsula. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. and continue until the time of service. Fr. Ken Stachnik will preside. Bernice will be laid to rest in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. Those wishing to express a donation in Bernice’s memory may do so to the Father Fred Foundation. Bernice and her family are in the care of the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral

Bernice Ann Ghastin

July 8, 1930 - October 4, 2019