HOLDEN- Bernice D. (Johnson) Mangsen, 93, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 25, 2007, at the Rose Monahan Hospice in Worcester, where she had spent three weeks. Her husband of 60 years, Gustav E. Mangsen, died in 1997. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Cynthia Mangsen and Steve Gillette (North Bennington, Vermont), her daughter Sandra Mangsen (London, Ontario), her two grandchildren, Jennifer and Geoffrey Weeks, and by many devoted nieces, nephews, and their children.
Bernice was born in Worcester to Eric A. and Edla S. (Mangs) Johnson and graduated from the High School of Commerce in 1932. Ten brothers and sisters predeceased her. She worked as a medical secretary in Worcester and Niagara Falls, retiring in 1973 from the American Lutheran Center for Substance Abuse in Chicago, Illinois. She and Gus then returned to Massachusetts, residing on Cape Cod and in the Worcester area. Bernice was a member of the First Baptist Church of Holden, its Women’s Fellowship and Doers Circle, and the Holden Council on Aging.
Bernice’s positive, courageous and down-to-earth spirit was an inspiration to all of those in her life; her thoughtfulness and generosity resulted in many wonderful and lasting friendships. She loved music and opera, and was active as a volunteer in her church and community.
A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. The family welcomes memorial contributions to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Donor Services P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202 ,< www.leukemia-lymphoma.org>. The family has entrusted Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln St. Worcester, MA with arrangements. For on-line guest book please visit NordgrenMemorialChapel.com.