Bernice E. Cota

Cota

Bernice E. (Kaarlela)

Of South Park; age 92; peacefully passed into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, February 16, 2017. She was born on May 27, 1924 in Calumet, MI, daughter of the late Henry and Lydia (Aho) Kaarlela, and devoted wife of the late Samuel Cota for 67 years.  She is survived by their daughters Julie (Richard) Mrenak and Cheryl (James) Snead; grandchildren Bonnie (John) Varney and David (Ann) Paull; and great grandsons Johnny Varney and  Zachary Paull; Bernice has one surviving sister, Joann (Rudy) Palonen of Houghton, MI. She was preceded in death by four sisters and five brothers.  Bernice taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and participated in Craft-and-Sew and Womens Circles in her beloved church for many years. She was instrumental in organizing the first Girl Scout Troop in South Park Twp. and served as Brownie Girl Scout leader for six years.  She also performed volunteer work for various organizations including the Group Against Smog and Pollution.  Annual summer vacations in the Upper Peninsula of MI in the heart of the beautiful “Copper Country” were always a delight for her and an opportunity to visit family and friends. She enjoyed ballroom dancing and took lessons for several years.  Bernice loved to collect teddy bears and dolls as well as furnishing and decorating doll houses. She loved to show her teddy bears at school and church functions.  Bernice will be remembered for her strong faith in the Lord Jesus, for her compassion for others,  as well as her beautiful smile.  Bernice’s family will welcome friends on Sunday, February 19, 2017 2-4 & 6-8 at Paul L. Henney Memorial Chapel, 5570 Library Rd., Bethel Park.  Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 20, 2017 at Ruthfred Lutheran Church, 3401 Patterson Rd. Bethel Park, PA 15102 at 11 AM, Rev. Steven Carlson officiating.  Burial at Jefferson Memorial Park will be private.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to the Ruthfred Lutheran Church Pastors Fund.

www.henneyfuneralhome.com

 Service Information