Bernice M. McKeever, AT&T retiree
Bernice M. McKeever, 92, of Lewes, formerly of Pittsburgh, Pa., passed away peacefully Thursday, Sept. 10, 2015, in her home surrounded by loving family. She was born in 1923 on the north side of Pittsburgh to John and Lena Ludwig.
Bernice was a loving wife, wonderful mother, and extraordinary grandmother. Bernice graduated from Allegheny High School in Pittsburgh and after graduation joined AT&T as a telephone operator. During World War II, she also volunteered for the United Services Organization to assist in the war effort at home. The USO recognized her 1,000-plus volunteer hours with a pin that always remained one of her most cherished possessions.
Bernice married Bill McKeever after the war and was part of the “Greatest Generation.” Bernice became a stay-at-home mom who instilled in her three daughters a love of learning. Later she returned to work for AT&T. Bernice and Bill then retired to Lewes where they enjoyed their life at the beach. Bernice loved her family, walking, gardening, old movies, and in her later life enjoyed learning to use her iPad, skyping and emailing family and friends.
Bernice was pre-deceased by her devoted husband of 58 years, Bill; and her siblings, Ursula Ludwig, Jack Ludwig, Marie Herbert and Dorothy Fellner. She is survived by her daughters, Nancy M. Targett and her husband Timothy, of Lewes, Susan M. Norris and her husband Allan, of Hertfordshire, England, and Mary Jane McKeever and her husband, Terry Hart of Bethlehem, Pa.; grandchildren William Norris of Basel, Switzerland, Katharine Targett of New York, N.Y., Mary Norris of Oxford, England and Ryan Hart of Bethlehem; many nieces and nephews; dear friends Kathy Smith and Jean Rafferty; and her dear neighbors Betsy, Jack and Patty.
In her last few months, Bernice was blessed with tremendous care and love from Wende, Olivia, Carmen and Kayla, as well as members of the Greater Lewes Community Village, many neighbors and friends, and members of the Delaware Hospice team.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, Sept. 19, at 11 a.m., St. Edmond Catholic Church, 409 King Charles Ave., Rehoboth Beach, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m. Burial will be private.
Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963, or the USO Delaware, Dover AFB AMC Terminal, 500 Purple Heart Way, Dover AFB, DE 19901.
Please visit Bernice’s Life Memorial Webpage and sign her online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
