Bernice Kusina

Bernice T. Kusina, 97, of Williamsburg passed away peacefully on Friday, February 10, 2017 at Boulder Park Terrace in Charlevoix. Bernice was born on August 25, 1919 in Worcester, MA to the late Joseph and Josephine (Urbanowicz) Kaczanowski. She was married to William Peter Kusina on July 4, 1947 at St. Ladislaus Catholic Church in Hamtramck. He preceded her in death on April 8, 1989. Over the course of her life, Bernice was employed in a wide variety of offices. During World War II, she worked for the U.S. Government, later joining Witt Employment Services and then as a legal secretary for her brother-in-law. Lastly, Bernice was the office manager at Kusina Motors of Charlevoix for 26 years until her retirement.

Bernice was an active member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Williamsburg, where she especially enjoyed helping out with funeral luncheons and singing in her beloved church choir. For many years, she attended the women's aquatic class and greeted conference attendees at the Grand Traverse Resort.

An "angel-in-training" for many years, she was known for saying "everybody's different" and for teaching us universal love by welcoming everyone and learning from their stories. Her warmth to strangers and generous spirit of acceptance, giving, and inclusion left a lasting impression on everyone and her electrifying polka skills, endless prayer list and remarkable gift of gab are the stuff of family lore.

No longer an "angel-in-training," the heavens are having one heck of a polka party welcoming her home.

Bernice is survived by her son, Dennis (Peggy) Kusina of Charlevoix, two grandchildren; Kelly (James) Martin of Lynwood, WA, and Kevin (fiancée, Meghan Codd) Kusina of Quincy, MA and a granddaughter, Zoey Martin. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a sister and two brothers; Helene (Bill) Koney, Stanley Kaczanowski and Johnny (Theresa) Kaczanowski.

In accordance with Bernice's wishes, cremation has taken place. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 3801 Shore Rd., Williamsburg, MI 49690.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to St. Mary of Assumption Catholic Church, 1003 Bridge Rd, Charlevoix, MI 49720, Christ the King Catholic Church, 3801 Shore Rd., Williamsburg, MI 49690 or Hospice of Northwest Michigan, 220 West Garfield, Charlevoix, MI 49720 .

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Bernice's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .