After a brief illness, Bernice J. Calnan died peacefully at home on Sunday October 4, 2015 surrounded by her husband Captain Donald F. Calnan and their children. She was born in Cambridge to James and Ethel Cromwell Powers.
Bernice is survived by her husband Donald and her four children, Colleen Calnan, a real estate broker in Daytona Beach FL, Erin Calnan-Toolis, a local hairstylist, Karen Calnan, a business manager on Martha's Vineyard, and Captain Michael Calnan and his wife Kerry of New Bedford. She also leaves three sisters, Marjorie Nerpouni, Rita Williams, and Patricia Hubright; six grandchildren, Matthew, Patrick, and Danielle Rezendes, Rhiley and Jordyn Calnan, and Joseph Pinard; five great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her children, Nadine Calnan and Donald Charles Calnan, and her sister, Elizabeth Chase.
Bernice was a top producing realtor in the Greater New Bedford area for 28 years with Century21 Hughes and Carey before retiring to spend time with her husband at their home in Port Charlotte, Florida.
Mrs. Calnan was also a member of several clubs and organizations in Florida. She will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved her. She was exceptionally proud of her Irish heritage and known for her love of Irish music and yodeling.
Bernice has requested that friends and family come to a Funeral Mass to celebrate her life at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church on Thursday at 9 AM. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Fairhaven. Visiting hours are omitted. In lieu of flowers, she has requested that donations be made in memory of Nadine Calnan to the Scleroderma Foundation, 300 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.