Bernice "Ann" Siele

Bernice "Ann" Siele (née Palys), a cherished centenarian, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026, in Warrenville, Illinois, at the remarkable age of 101. Born on December 6, 1924, in Chicago, Illinois to Jan and Rozalia (nee Twodryzdlo) Palys, Bernice lived a life marked by wisdom, thoughtfulness, and an enduring love for her family and those around her.

Bernice was known for her intelligence and wit, qualities that shone brightly throughout her long and fulfilling life. Her thoughtful nature and conversational charm endeared her to all who had the privilege of knowing her. She carried herself with grace and warmth, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met.

She is lovingly remembered by her son, Tom Jr., and his wife Dawn; her daughter, Catherine Siele Berning, and her husband Steve; as well as her grandson, Tom (Dana) Berning, granddaughter Annette (Christopher) Hanson; her great-grandchildren, Leah, Brooke, Frankie, Avery, Sophia, Luke, and Tony; as well as many nieces and nephews. Bernice's family was the center of her world, and she took immense pride in their accomplishments and happiness.

Bernice is preceded in death by the one and only love of her life, Tommaso (Tom) Siele whom she married in Mobile, Alabama on September 4, 1943, while Tom was stationed there during World War II. She is also preceded in death by her parents, Jan and Rozalia (nee Twodryzdlo) Palys, and her parents-in-law Giuseppe and Maria (nee Alagna) Siele. The last of her siblings to enter eternal life, she is also preceded in death by Mary (Joe) Yracheta, Francis (Lee) Palys, Ann Saenz, John Palys, Ted (Helen) Palys, Matt (Lou) Palys, Dorothy (Skip) Stevenson, and Stephanie Palys; her brothers-in-law Joe, Frank, and Paul Siele, and a sister-in-law, Catherine Siele.

Bernice's legacy is one of hard work and love-a testament to a life well-lived. Her wisdom and humor will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew her.

May her memory bring comfort to those who mourn her passing.

Visitation Sunday March 1, 2026, from 2 to 7 p.m. at Williams-Kampp Funeral Home 430 E. Roosevelt Rd., Wheaton, IL. Funeral prayers Monday March 2, 2026, 9:45 a.m. at the funeral home before processing to 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. Irene Catholic Church 28W441 Warrenville Rd., Warrenville, IL 60555. Entombment to follow at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery Hillside, IL.