Bernice Marie Kovach

Bernice Marie (nee Haberer) Kovach, 99, of Pocahontas, IL, passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, IL.

She was born on June 25, 1926, in Millersburg, IL, to Harry and Sophia (nee Siever) Haberer, and was the only girl among three brothers: Norbert “Spike”, Dale, and Maurice Haberer.

Bernice graduated from Pocahontas High School in 1944, then went to work as a Telephone Operator in Pocahontas, and later at the Shoe Factory in Highland, IL.

She met Edward James Kovach in high school, and they began dating after he returned from World War II. Edward and Bernice purchased their forever home in October of 1947. On December 24, 1947, Bernice married the love of her life, Edward, in the living room of their home, where she continued to live until the age of 99. They had two daughters: Connie (Joe) Whalen of Smithboro, IL, and Karen (Doug) Fletcher of Greenville, IL. Ed and Bernice were married for 62 and a half years before his passing on August 25, 2009.

Bernice was an Avon Representative for 50 years and was an avid and lifelong quilter. She enjoyed making baby quilts for every family member, extended family member, and friends. When she wasn’t quilting, she could often be found making fresh pasta and tortellini alongside Ed, her daughters, and grandchildren. She loved gardening and spending time with her four grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Bernice lived fiercely and independently in her beloved home until just a few weeks before her passing. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward J. Kovach; parents, Harry and Sophia Haberer; brothers, Norbert “Spike” Haberer, Dale Haberer, and Maurice Haberer.

Bernice is survived by her daughters, Connie (Joe) Whalen, Smithboro, IL, and Karen (Doug) Fletcher, Greenville, IL; grandchildren, Susan (Jeremy) Hall, Mulberry Grove, IL, Cara (Nick) Snow, Salem, IL, Carley (Terry) Swalley, Greenville, IL, and Brady Fletcher, Greenville, IL; great-grandchildren, Haley (Josh) Huhn, Anna Hall, Elly (Ethan) Hall, Caia Hall, Catherine Snow, Mason Snow, Austin Swalley, Christian Swalley, Jackson Swalley, and Madeline Swalley; great-great-grandchildren, Jayce Huhn and Hadley Huhn; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Bond County Humane Society or to Robinson Cemetery in Pocahontas, IL.

Visitation: Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 9:00 to 11:00 am, at Meridith Funeral Home in Pocahontas, IL

Funeral Service: Thursday, October 23, 2025, 11:00 am, at Meridith Funeral Home in Pocahontas, IL

Interment: Robinson Cemetery

Meridith Funeral Home, Pocahontas, IL