Bernice J. (Brown) Yencha

     It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and a dear friend to many. Mrs. Bernice J. Yencha, 83, passed peacefully into eternal life while in the comfort of her residence with her family at her side the morning of Tuesday, February 24th, following a recent illness.
     Born on Sunday, January 17, 1943 in Wilkes-Barre, she was a daughter to the late Anthony J. and Justina (Papson) Brown and step-daughter to the late Mary Brown.
     Educated in the city schools, Mrs. Yencha was a 1960 graduate of the former James M. Coughlin High School, Wilkes-Barre. She later furthered her education toward her career by graduating first in her class from the Empire Beauty School also formerly of Wilkes-Barre.
     Bernice became a well-known beautician, operating her cherished home-based salon, "Bernice's Hair Salon," in Miners Mills for many years. Through her artistry and warm spirit, she served countless clients, creating more than just beautiful hairstyles; she crafted lasting friendships and touched many lives throughout the community.
     Eventually, Bernice shifted her focus to raising her family; embracing her role as a devoted homemaker whose love and support nurtured her children and husband.
     Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. A devout Roman Catholic, she held membership in Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Plains Township. Previously, she held the honor of serving as president of the Altar and Rosary Society at the former Saint John the Baptist Parish in Miners Mills; reflecting her commitment to her beliefs and the community she cherished.
     In her spare time, and enjoying the art of crocheting; Mrs. Yencha lovingly made hundreds of "welcome blankets" for newborn infants in several regional neonatal intensive care units her daughter was employed with as a physician.
     Above all else Bernice is best remembered as being an adoring, devoted wife; a nurturing mother and grandmother who will be greatly missed by all those she touched in this life. May she now rest peacefully in the loving embrace of Our Lord.
     She and her husband, Mr. Edward P. Yencha, celebrated sixty years of married life together on April 24th of last year.
     Besides her parents and step-mother, Mrs. Yencha bid farewell to several brothers and sisters and a daughter, Miss Nancy Lyn Yencha on March 15, 2001.
     Left to cherish all the wonderful memories they now keep of her, in addition to her beloved husband Edward at home, are the couple's children; Edward P. Yencha II of Cartersville, GA; Dr. Erika M. Yencha and her husband George Kerper III of Macungie, PA; Tara M. Yurko and her husband Phillip of Schwenksville, PA; Jessikah A. Galica and her husband Jeffrey of Nazareth, PA and Matthew J. Yencha along with his wife Sarah of Coplay, PA. Grandchildren, including Matthew, Jonathan, Elizabeth, Annabella, Cassidy, Lukas, Audrey, Gideon, Emilia, Olivia and Henry; Numerous nieces, nephews, former clients and dear friends.
     Funeral services for Mrs. Yencha will be conducted on Monday, March 2nd with her funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. in Saints Peter and Paul Parish, 13 Hudson Road, Plains Township. The Reverend John C. Lambert, pastor, will serve as celebrant and homilist. Those attending are asked to assemble directly at church Monday morning. Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Cemetery, Dorchester Drive, Dallas.
     Relatives and friends may join Mr. Yencha and his family for visitation and shared remembrances Sunday, March 1st from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. at the John V. Morris Family Funeral Home Inc., 625 North Main Street, Wilkes-Barre.
     In lieu of floral tributes, the family would be humbled if those wishing to make a monetary donation in their mother's memory, kindly give consideration to the Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1999, Memphis, TN 38101 or online at www.stjude.org.
     Those wishing to share online words of comfort or a fond memory of Bernice with her family are encouraged to do so by visiting her memorial page at www.JohnVMorrisFuneralHome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bernice J. (Brown) Yencha, please visit our floral store.