Bernice Gaffney Obituary

BERNICE C. GAFFNEY, 84 LOVING MOTHER, GRANDMOTHER, FRIEND ROCKFORD - Bernice C. Gaffney, 84, of Rockford died after a short illness at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, at Wesley Willows, with family by her side. Born July 8, 1928, in Rockford, daughter of Felix and Anna (Herron) Verble. Lifelong Rockford resident. She was a 1946 graduate of East High School. Bernice was an administrative assistant for 30 years at Rockford auto dealerships, including Frontier Ford, Humphrey Cadillac & Olds, Milbury and Napleton. She enjoyed working and interacting with customers, retiring at 78 years old. Bernice also loved family events and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchild. Survivors include children, Lydia Swangren of Oak Park, Laura Swangren of Rockford, Alan Swangren of Roscoe and Glen Swangren of Rockford; grandsons, Joshua Fulton, Edward Swangren, Ryan Whelchel, Adam Swangren and Eric Swangren; great-granddaughter, Brianna Fulton; sister, Theresa (Ray) Schoster of Cincinnati; brother-in-law, Conway Johnson; aunts, Mary Himbert of Oregon, Ill., and Natalie Herron of Rockford; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by second husband, George Gaffney; brother, Claude (Lee) Verble; sister, Christine Johnson; and father of her children, Ray Swangren. Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, at Olson Funeral & Cremation Services Ltd., Fred C. Olson Chapel, 1001 Second Ave., with Celebrant Karon Pfile officiating. Burial in Scandinavian Cemetery. Visitation from 12 to 12:45 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family for a memorial to be established at a later date. To share a memory or condolence, visit olsonfh.com.

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Published by Midland Daily News from Dec. 12 to Dec. 13, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Bernice Gaffney

13 Entries

Brenda (Gaffney) and Edd Barabasz

December 16, 2012

Dear Lydia, Laura, Alan, Glen, and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Bernie's passing and send our condolences to you all. Since we live so far away, we didn't get to see her very often, but enjoyed taking her to Stockholm Inn whenever we were in town. I know you will miss her terribly. She was so proud of you all, and she was a wonderful, loving wife to my dad. May you always cherish the sweet memories of your mom/grandma.

Hannah Stanley

December 15, 2012

Laura, Alan, Glen, and Lydia I am sorry to hear the loss of your mother. I know it's hard but she is always with you. Im sorry I didn't make the service. I send my sympathy and prayers your way.

David Schoster

December 14, 2012

Your mom (my Aunt) was a kind and loving person who lived a caring life, loved those around her and was dedicated to her family. I will always have very fond memories of her and the time I was able to share with her growing up. She will be dearly missed and I will continue to keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.

Judy Wille

December 14, 2012

Laura, Lydia, Alan, and Glen
I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. I have so many great memories of her, she really was an extraordinary woman. You are fortunate to have one another to lean on, and I know that as you grieve this tremendous loss, the grief will soon be replaced with peace and loving memories.
Love to all,
Judy
(daughter of Bert & Lucille Johnson)

Paddi Contreras

December 13, 2012

I'm so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. She was always so nice to me. She leaves behind a great legacy in her children and grandchildren. May you find comfort in her life well lived.

Nicole Hymel

December 13, 2012

Lydia, Alan, Glen, and Laura--Your mom was a beautiful person. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Bruce Hanson

December 13, 2012

She was so warm and caring and had such a great smile and laugh! So sorry for your loss. She will be missed.

Steve & Rita Timm

December 13, 2012

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

conway johnson

December 12, 2012

loving and supportive to spouses, children, grandchildren, brother,and sisters. she will be remembered fondly always by this brother-in-law.

Lisa Leitter

December 12, 2012

Bernice, I will always remember what a beautiful, warm smile you had, and the way you always took care of your family. You were devoted and showed your love in many ways. Thank you for being a part of my life, and for the way you gave selflessly to my sons,(your grandsons Edward & Adam). I know how much they miss you now; and my heart aches for how hard this will be on your other grandsons, Josh, Ryan, and Eric; and of course Lydia, Laura, Alan, & Glen. My heartfelt thoughts go out to all of you. With love,

Robert & Anna Johnson

December 12, 2012

I am a first cousin to Bernice. My name is Robert (and wife, Anna) Johnson. We want to extend our sympathy to the family. We only knew her a short time but were glad we did.

Viki Swangren Johnson

December 12, 2012

Sympathies to the family - she was a classy lady. Aunt Bernice has always held a special place in my memories of long ago.

Lisa Borchmann

December 12, 2012

Lydia, Al, and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your mother for you. No matter what their age, "Your mom is your mom" and you will always have her with you in your heart. Lean on each other for support and strength to get through this grieving. Please accept my sincere sympathy, L

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