Bernice H. Fuchs

Bernice Helen Fuchs passed away on March 30, 2013. She was 81. She was laid to rest after a courageous battle with ALS. She was brave, resilient, thoughtful, and joyful until she drew her final breath. Bernice was born in New York in 1932. She married Edward Fuchs in 1951 and they moved to Prescott in 1961 to raise their family. Edward and Bernice found the house of their dreams where she lived for her remaining 52 years. She was a loving mother to her family of five children Calvin (Annie), Frank (Julie), Thomas, Dee (Craig), and Laura, and her grandson Devin. Her parents, Joseph and Helen D’Esposito, also relocated to Prescott in the mid 1970’s. Bernice cared for her parents until they passed away and continued to care for her parents’ friends until each one was laid to rest. Regardless of the hour, or the task, she was always first in line to lend a hand to family and friends, making meals, baking cookies, and helping in any way she could. Bernice was also a remarkable artist. This talent was first recognized when she was in high school. Her artistic abilities were not limited to paint and canvas and sculpture; she used this gift in everything she did, from Halloween costumes to banquet arrangements. She also was an exceptional bowler as evidenced by the dozens of bowling trophies that crowded the shelves around the house. Bernice loved to play cards with family and friends, and as her bowling days came to a close, she took her competitive spirit to the card table. Bernice was an accomplished poker player, and it only took a few hands for those at the table to realize how she earned the nickname “Killer Bee.” But she never let competition overshadow the real reason she enjoyed playing cards: playing for fun, friendship, and laughs. Bernice was an excellent cook and had her own catering business. She was a fabulous homemaker and a skilled seamstress. Bernice, however, was not destined to be a doctor as Mercurochrome was her remedy for everything from a splinter to broken bones. She had five kids running around on acres of rock piles and barbed wire fencing, so she purchased Mercurochrome by the gallon. Bernice was a protective mother, and although air bags are now available in most cars, she had her own style of preventing a passenger from hitting the dash upon screeching to a halt. She would just snap her arm in an outward salute, karate chop style, against the chest of the passenger keeping them from hitting the dash. If they got hurt, she would just put Mercurochrome on it. Bernice spent countless hours volunteering her time to organizations including the Monday Club and Sunshine Stitchers. She was a natural caregiver. She welcomed many into her life and always made them feel at home. Bernice had a generous spirit and was a breath of fresh air to anyone she met. In her final days Bernice was asked if she was afraid; she answered no. Bernice said she felt at peace, that she had a good life, and hoped that she could face her demise with strength and equanimity. Heaven will now reap the benefits of this beautiful, dedicated, selfless, kind, and wonderful soul. Bernice is survived by her two brothers Carl and Joe, by her children, grandchild, and her many, many friends she held so close to her heart. Bernice also loved animals and until her dying day gave her beloved four legged friends a hearty hug. There is little more powerful than the human spirit, and Bernice’s spirit will never leave the hearts of those lives she touched. She will be missed, and we will always remember the things we loved about her. Bernice leaves us with fond memories that will continue to remind us that she is never farther away than a thought. Her beautiful and warm ways will forever remind those she loved, and who loved her, to live a meaningful life.