Bernice M. Coonan

As a child growing-up in Niagara Falls, I knew Bernice Coonan as the daughter of "Mrs. Coonan" who, at the time, rented a house from my "Uncle Billy" on Pearce Avenue. Bernice would catch the bus to Buffalo every morning as she was employed at one of the old department stores long gone on Main Street: it may have been the old AM&A's but I was too young to recall. Both she and her mother were always very nice and my last memory was when they moved from Pearce Avenue to where Bernice was currently residing. The last vestige as all are now history: My uncle, the house and now Bernice Coonan - May she rest in peace.

I was introduced to Aunt Bea (Bernice) by my friends, the Dysons of Niagara Falls back when I was 8 or 9 years old. She became not only my honorary aunt, but she also became the honorary aunt of all of us guys from the band while we performed throughout WNY over the years. This dear woman enriched the lives of everyone who knew her. I miss her so very much. Heaven -speed, Aunt Bea. Love you always. Darren