In loving and fond memory of Bernice (Szczupaj) Zawada. July 9,1925-March 20,2020 Bernice (Szczupaj) Zawada's family were among the first parishoners of St Bruno parish on the South Side of Chicago where she grew up, later graduating from Kelly High School (1942). Her parents came from the Tatra Mountain area of Poland, with her mother Catherine Wiscz traveling alone as a young teenager by ship from Poland to New York and eventually being sponsored to move to Chicago. Bernice had two Brothers, Ted and Ed Supay, who served in WWII and the Korean War respectively. Bernice's husband was Joseph Zawada, a skilled carpenter and painter and all around Renaissance man, who had traveled around the world in the Coast Guard during WWII in his early twenties. They married in 1948. Her wedding dress was made from parachute material brought by her brother Ted from the WWII. Bernice and Joseph had two children, Sandi and Jeffrey. The family visited most of the USA by car during their childhood, camping throughout all the National Parks as a family hobby, creating many special memories, as Bernice and Joseph were hard-working but also adventurous, and wanted to create many special memories for their children. Bernice and Joseph had many friends, and loved socializing and dancing-especially Polka music. Bernice also volunteered throughout her children's growing up years for Mothers Club, Cub Scouts, and community functions when not working full time day or night shifts to help support the family. Bernice was also an avid bowler. After her children left home to be married in the early 70's, Bernice remained in the home where she grew up on Harding Avenue along with her husband Joe until his passing in 1978. Bernice later took care of her mother who resided downstairs. After that time period she left Chicago in 1982 where she purchased a home of her own in Hillside, Illinois to be near her son's family, and later combined funds with them to live in a home together in the St Charles/Geneva area to watch her three grandchildren, Stephanie,Gregory, and Valerie grow up. She was always proud of their accomplishments and spoke fondly of them During this time she remained active in community groups,church, and even worked part time into her 70's. Bernice spent her final chapter at the Plantation Key Convalescent Center with her daughter Sandi in Islamorada, Florida in the Florida Keys. She got to enjoy the Florida winters, make new friends, and attend Mass weekly at a lovely quaint Catholic Church,San Pedro. She and her daughter attended ongoing social events together during this time such as outdoor concerts, restaurant dinners, occasional shopping, or just sitting in the out of doors on some evenings commenting on the stars. She also kept in touch with her Chicago friends through letter writing and phone calls, and remained an avid reader and conversant on many topics. Not all days at the Center were without challenge, but nonetheless, Bernice was even voted as Resident of the Month at the Center because of her empathetic and caring attitude about people, her willingness to help others, and her friendliness to all. She is to be admired for the way she embraced life's challenges, helped her elders, raised two children, and thanks to her adventurous spirit and trust in God, she continued to strive to make her new life in Florida a meaningful one by continuing to build caring relationships with all the people she met. Bernice is survived by her two children, Sandi and Jeff, her grandchildren, extended family and many friends. In accordance with the current crisis protocols Bernice is being brought back to Chicago and will be buried next to her Beloved Husband Joseph at Resurrection Cemetery,Justice, Illinois in a Private Visitation and Ceremony. A Public Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Szykowny Funeral Home, 4901 S Archer Ave. Chicago, Illinois (Jonathan F Siedlecki, Director). Further information, please call 773-735-7521 or visit our website at www.szykowny.com