MIDDLETON - Lois Bernbeck was born July 3, 1942, in Buffalo, N.Y., to Joseph and Irene (Miller) Bernbeck. Lois died on Saturday, May 1, 2021, following a brief illness. Lois attended Mount St. Joseph High School, graduating in 1960. In 1964, she graduated from D’Youville College, earning a bachelor's degree in Nursing. She immediately went to the University of Pennsylvania, earning a master’s degree in 1966. She began her 33+ year nursing career at Washington General Hospital in Washington DC and was acting President of the American Nephrology Nurses Association. In 1977, she began teaching nursing at Madison Area Technical College until her retirement in 2000. Lois’ Catholic faith has always been a central part of her life. She was an active parishioner at St. Thomas Aquinas and was especially active with the Tanzanian Missionary and Orphanage with numerous visits establishing lasting friendships as well as learning to speak their language. Lois was a passionate champion for social justice, greatly concerned about systemic racism and failed immigration policies. She lived out her faith by opening her home and heart to her beloved adopted family, Beatrice Mkenda and Lisa Soka. She welcomed all into her home and always had a home-made meal ready to share especially note for her pies! Lois enjoyed traveling and staying in contact with all she knew especially her 26 cousins scattered across the U.S. and as far as England. Her interest in Nursing, Scottish Dancing, family genealogy, missionary work, social justice and political activism were characteristics admired by all. She will be remembered for her kind, generous and adventurous spirit. She will be greatly missed. Lois is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Irene Bernbeck; sister, Patricia Pallotta; and sister-in-law, Martha Rembold Bernbeck. She is survived by her brother, Joseph (Sally); her adoptive Tanzanian family, Beatrice Mkenda and Lisa Soka; her nephew, Michael Bernbeck (Denise); niece, Carolyn Bernbeck Shankin (Jerome); nephew, Eric Pallotta (Carol); niece, Michelle Pallotta; nephew, Gary Bernbeck (Heather); and numerous cousins. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 602 Everglade Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 7, 2021, with Father Bart Timmerman presiding. Friends and family who wish to view the Mass via LIVE STREAM may visit Lois’ obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com and click on the Live Webcast link at 11 a.m. on Friday. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the start of the Mass on Friday. Cremation has taken place with burial planned later this summer in Buffalo, N.Y. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761