Bernice Marie Pfendler

1938 - 2025

WESTMINSTER, MD/WESTERNVILLE- On Thursday, September 25, 2025, Bernice Marie Pfendler, age 86, of Brightview Senior Living Center, Westminster, Maryland, formerly of Westernville, passed away peacefully after a brief illness, with her loving family by her side.

She was born on October 6, 1938, to Erwin and Bernice Bromley Coleman, in Frankfort, NY. At a very young age, Bernice and her family moved to Coleman Road in the Town of Western, where she lived the majority of her life. In 2019 she moved to Rome to live with her son, Brian, and in 2023 she moved to Brightview Senior Living Center in Westminster, Maryland, to be closer to her daughter, Vanessa. Bernice spent two wonderful years at Brightview Senior Living Center, where she made many close and dear friends.

She attended and graduated from Holland Patent Central School District in 1956. On November 22, 1956, she married William "Bill" Pfendler, a blessed union of 61 years, until Bill's passing in December of 2017. Together, Bernice and Bill raised two children, Vanessa and Brian, who were the absolute joy of their lives. They followed and supported their children throughout high school, thoroughly enjoying all of their music and sporting events.

Bernice was employed for 33 years at the former Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, mostly serving in the Office of Personnel.

She enjoyed reading, bowling, needlework and camping. She especially enjoyed camping at 7th and 8th Lakes in Old Forge. Bernice was a member of the Westernville Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and volunteered for Hospice for many years. She was also very active and supportive in the North Western United Methodist Church, where she held many positions including on the serving committees and chairing fund raising events.

Bernice is survived by her two children, Vanessa (Jeff) Penatzer of Finksburg, Maryland and Brian (Therese Cunningham) Pfendler of Apache Junction, Arizona; six grandchildren, Mara, Jeffrey, and Heather Penatzer, Dillon and Brianna Pfendler, and Ashley Sasso; and one great-grandchild, Jalil Johnson. She was predeceased by her parents Erwin and Bernice Coleman; three brothers, David, Ronald, and Donald Coleman; and three sisters, Dorothy Conover, Marilyn Waterman, and Shirley Shilling.

In keeping with Bernice's wishes, there will be no calling hours. Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service to celebrate Bernice's life at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at Westernville Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest alongside her husband Bill. A celebration of life luncheon will immediately follow the burial at the Westernville Fire Department, all are welcome. Arrangements are in the care of Mills Funeral home, Boonville. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the North Western United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 262, Westernville, NY 13486 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place Memphis, TN 38105.

Condolences may be made to Bernice's family online at www.millsfuneralhomes.com