Bernice Tracz

Bernice Tracz, who passed away peacefully on Monday, March 2, 2026, was a beautiful soul who has now returned to her place in God's heavenly kingdom. Bernice was born in June of 1930 and was a proud first-generation American of Polish heritage. She spoke fluent Polish throughout her life and cherished her cultural roots. Bernice especially enjoyed cooking traditional Polish foods and loved sharing her recipes with family and friends. She also loved to polka and had a special fondness for dancing the Oberek. Bernice had a deep love for gardening and often incorporated the fruits of her garden into the meals she prepared. She had an infectious laugh and truly enjoyed being around people of all ages. Travel was another joy in Bernice's life. In her early 80s, she fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Poland, where she proudly served as a translator for those traveling with her. For more than 30 years, she also looked forward to spending summers vacationing in the Outer Banks with her oldest niece's family. Bernice dedicated many years of service to her community. She worked for 30 years as a tax collector clerk for the City of New Kensington. Earlier in her career, she worked at Fashion Hosiery and also served as a nursing assistant in the medical field. Faith was a central part of Bernice's life. She loved singing in the choir at St. Mary of Czestochowa Church and generously gave her time as a lector. She was also an active member of the Christian Mothers and the Ladies Aid Society and volunteered her time at the parish's Polish Platter events. Bernice remained single throughout her adult life and often jokingly referred to herself as "an unclaimed treasure." She devoted herself to caring for her parents and found great joy in the companionship of the many pets she loved throughout the years. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Katherine (Zbyrad) Tracz; her brother, Frank A. Tracz Sr.; and her nephew, Frank A. Tracz Jr. (surviving spouse, Paula Tracz). Bernice is survived by her loving nieces, Cynthia Tracz Kachurik and Christine Stadher, along with several nephews and great-nephews, all of whom she treasured dearly. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Bernice's caregivers at Bishop Morrow in Leechburg, Seasons of Saxony in Saxonburg, and Monarch Hospice for their compassionate care and support. There will be no public visitation. A Mass to honor Bernice's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at St. Mary of Czestochowa Church, Kenneth Ave., New Kensington. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a favorite charity in memory of Bernice Tracz. Arrangements have been entrusted to RJ SLATER IV FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 1000 Freeport Road, New Kensington, 724-335-0100. www.rjslater.com.