Bernice A. Parella

Bernice A. Bern (Callan) Parella, 90, of Bristol, RI passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on Friday, July 12, 2024. She was the wife of the late Salvatore P Parella for 53 years before his passing on May 30, 2009. Bernice passed just 2 weeks shy of her 91st birthday.
A lifelong Bristolian, she was the daughter of the late Bernard and Christina (Biledeau) Callan. Bernice never moved far from her roots, growing up on one corner in Bristol, marrying the boy next door (literally) and moving to the other corner to raise her family. In her later years she loved sitting in her chair watching QVC and looking out the window at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church (OLMC). She was a devoted parishioner of OLMC, and when she was no longer able to attend, she watched the Sunday and Holy Day masses online. She was devoted to the Blessed Mother and prayed the rosary every day. A devout catholic all her life Bernice was a woman of great faith and let her faith guide her.
Bernice was a member of the Nocturnal Adoration Society at OLMC; a member of the Bristol Republican Town Committee for over 50 years, serving in various positions; past president of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women; member of St Marys Church Womens Guild; and a former CCD teacher. One of her proudest accomplishments, (besides her children and grandchildren), was suggesting and coordinating, for years, the OLMC tradition of the blessed mother visiting parish homes during advent, in preparation for Christmas. She followed the Blessed Mothers journey, contacting many of those whom she visited and drew such pleasure in hearing the stories of comfort and peace that the Blessed Mother provided. She loved Christmas and spent weeks decorating her home, providing a fabulous Christmas for her family and others to enjoy. She never missed a 4th of July parade, living on the parade route her whole life.
Bernice was an avid reader and a fan of anything political. When she wasnt watching QVC, you could find her watching news and opinion programs.
Bernice will be greatly missed by her children: Mary Parella, Joseph Parella (Gail), John Parella (Amy) and Sally Parella Battison (Andrew); her grandchildren Alyssa Parella Melo (Matthew), Gregory Battison (Laura), Peter, Joey, Matthew, Anthony and Andrew Parella and anyone who had the pleasure of making her acquaintance.
She was predeceased in death by her husband Salvatore and her parents.
Bernice was thankful for the many caregivers who provided countless hours of care and support as well as the Bristol Rescue who was always there when needed.
Visiting Hours will be held at Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol on Thursday, July 18, 2024 from 4:00 7:00 PM. Her funeral will begin at Sansone Funeral Home, Friday, July 19, 2024, at 9:00 AM with a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, 141 State St, Bristol, RI at 10:00 AM. Bernice will be laid to rest with her loving husband, Salvatore, at St. Marys Cemetery, Chestnut Street, Bristol. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bernices name to Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church or Bristol Emergency Medical Services, 4 Annawamscutt Dr, Bristol, RI 02809.
Services
Visitation
Thursday
July 18, 2024
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Sansone Funeral Home
192 Wood Street
Bristol, RI 02809
Funeral services from Friday
July 19, 2024
9:00 AM
Sansone Funeral Home
192 Wood Street
Bristol, RI 02809
Mass of Christian Burial
Friday
July 19, 2024
10:00 AM
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church
141 State St.
Bristol, RI 02809
Cemetery
St. Mary's Cemetery
Chestnut Street
Bristol, RI