Bernice Fallesen

Bernice E. Fallesen, age 91 formerly of Lewiston, died Friday July 23, 2010 in Mount St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston, after a lengthy illness. Bernice was born December 28, 1918 in Lewiston, the daughter of the late Neal and Hazel (Ecker) Nelson and was a lifelong resident. She graduated from Youngstown High School in 1937 and from Brockport Teachers College in 1941. Bernice taught at Lewiston Village Red Brick School in the 1940's and was a substitute teacher for Lewiston Porter Central Schools in the 1950's. In the 1960's she began teaching at St. Peter's Parochial School in Sanborn and did so until her retirement in the 1970's. Bernice married Raymond E. Fallesen on March 31, 1945. Raymond predeceased her in September of 2006. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston where she served three terms as a Deacon and taught Sunday school for over 60 years. Most recently she was a member of the New Zion Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Niagara Falls. Bernice enjoyed playing bridge and her flower and vegetable gardens. She was also a member of Ladies of the Universal Craftsmen Council of Engineers. She is survived by a son, George R. Fallesen (Renee`) of Youngstown; her grandchildren, David, Sarah, Daniel, Leah, Elizabeth, John, Katherine, and Mary; her great grandchildren, Nina and Liam; a sister, Doris Gary of Youngstown; a son in law, Joseph Flanigan of Auburn, NY, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a daughter, Karen Flanigan; a grandson, George Fallesen, Jr.; and two brothers, Neal Nelson, Jr. and Charles McCormick. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, July 29, at 11:00 AM in the New Zion Evangelical Presbyterian Church (Zion Lutheran), 10th and Michigan Sts., Niagara Falls, with the Rev. John Timmerman officiating. Entombment will be in the First Presbyterian Church of Lewiston Columbarium, Lewiston. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Dr., Lockport, NY 14094 or to Mt. St. Mary's Hospital Foundation, 5300 Military Rd., Lewiston, NY 14092. Arrangements have been entrusted to HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Sts., Lewiston.