Bernice Skarda

Bernice Skarda, 87, passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2014 at Appleton Medical Center. Bernice was born on May 4, 1926 in Sheboygan to Adolph and Helen (Siegworth) Heisdorf.

Bernice graduated from UW Madison in 1948 and taught in Beloit and then Menasha. In December 30, 1950, she married the love of her life, Raymond Skarda. Later she taught at Fox Valley Technical College. Bernice volunteered at Huntley Elementary School, the Salvation Army, Christ Child Society, Scouts, St. Mary Catholic Church, and was a long time classroom helper in the Appleton School district. She was an excellent cook and baker and always had fresh home-made cookies in the cookie jar. We are a “Cookie Family.” She passed on her love and traditions to her children and grandchildren. Bernice also enjoyed sewing, quilting, health and fitness, growing intellectually, and classical music. Bernice was a member of the Laetare Book Club and St. Mary Catholic Church.

Bernice is survived by her children: Mary (Greg) Davidson of Oregon, WI; Charles (Rhonda) Skarda of Merrimack, NH; Paul (Michele) Skarda of Appleton, and Julie (Tim) Keal of Sun Prairie, WI; grandchildren: Kara, Michael, Ellen, Sam, Joshua, and Meagan; and brother, Jerome (Gloria) Heisdorf. She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond, a granddaughter; Sharon; and brother-in-law, Roland Skarda and sister-in-law Dolores Skarda.

The funeral liturgy will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 24 2014, at ST. MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 312 S. State St., Appleton. Friends will be received at the church Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Manitowoc.

The family would like to thank the staff a Renaissance Assisted Living for the wonderful care she received for the past two years, and the staff at Appleton Medical Center Emergency Room and ICU for the compassionate care the day of her passing. We would also like to thank St. Mary Catholic Church, especially Sr. Joann and the late Fr. Michael O'Rourke for spiritual support throughout the years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross, Green Bay, or St. Mary Catholic of Appleton.