BERNICE BOOMGAARD Bernice Mary Boomgaard passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016. She lived to be 100 years old. Born on Aug. 1, 1915 to John and Anna Waleszkiewicz in Grand Rapids, Bernice lived a life of many passions, with her family chief among them. She grew up on the west side of Grand Rapids with her four siblings and attended Sacred Heart School. Later on while working at Kelvinator, Bernice met Chester Boomgaard, whom she married on Feb. 22, 1936. For the next 57 years, they shared a love for their two sons, entertaining their wide circle of friends and spending weekends up north at Irons, Mich. In retirement, they enjoyed traveling the country (but not by airplane!) and playing card games and bingo, her favorite pastime. Bernice was a proud Polish woman and a devout Catholic who opened her home and her caring heart to anyone who needed it. Her tales of life and clean living served as the healing tonic for many generations of family and friends who sought out her advice and sympathetic ear. Bernice's passion for life, sense of humor and unending love will be missed. Bernice is survived by sons, David (Lois) Boomgaard and Philip (Jan) Boomgaard; siblings, Charles (Virginia) Waleszkiewicz and Dorothy Holst; six grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and numerous great-great grandchildren. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., Friday, Feb. 19 at Beuschel Funeral Home at 5018 Alpine Ave. NW in Comstock Park, with a Vigil Service at 8 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Holy Family Catholic Church, 425 State St., Sparta at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20, with visitation one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Ann's Home, Faith Hospice or the Area Agency on Aging of West Michigan, the three organizations that cared for Bernice in her final years.