Bernice Spendio Whipple, 86, of Youngstown, NY died on Tuesday November 22, 2011 in Mt. St. Mary's Hospital, Lewiston, NY. Born in Chester, PA Bernice (Bronislawa) was the daughter of the late Peter and Mary (Kokoszka) Ciszek.

Bernice came to Niagara Falls, NY as a young child with her family and attended local schools. While still in her teens, she began working as a telephone operator. In 1945 she met Dominic Spendio following his discharge from military service and were married shortly after in 1946. Mr. Spendio predeceased her in 1975. They initially moved to LosAngeles, CA but returned to Niagara Falls within two years. After the birth of her son, Richard, Bernice rejoined the work force as a secretary at the Carborundum Company and eventually became the head inventory clerk at the Diamond Wheel Division where she remained until retiring in 1983. She remarried in 1983 to Richard Whipple and at that time moved to Youngstown, NY where she resided until her death. Mr. Whipple predeceased her in 1992.

Bernice enjoyed travelling to Italy and throughout the United States, Caribbean and Western Canada. She especially enjoyed trips to LasVegas, NV and visiting her son Richard in New York City where she loved to shop and attend Broadway shows. We will always remember her radiant looks and keen style, sincere, helping and tolerant nature, boundless energy and strong independence.

Bernice is survived by her son Richard Spendio, a longtime Manhattan resident, her brother Sigmund (late Frances) Ciszek of Sanborn, NY; niece and nephew Sam and Nancy Gara; great nieces Lisa Nicoletti and Dina Gara all of Lewiston, NY; four step daughters Robin Andreozzi, Susan Childress, Kathy Ellison and Ann Polk and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers Edward (Sharon) Ciszek and Joseph (late Sophie) Ciszek and sisters Helen (late Richard) Gorczynski, Emily (Clyde) Hoover and Adele Ciszek.

There will be no prior visitation. Friends and family are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday November 26th at 10 a.m. in St. Bernard's Church, 218 Hinman Street, Youngstown, NY with Msgr. J. Thomas Moran officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Interment in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. Arrangements by M.J.COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304.