Obituary of Bernice J. Bozyczko

Bernice J. Bozyczko (née Ulin), 91, of Poughkeepsie, NY  passed away Friday, June 18th just two days shy of her 92nd birthday. She was born in Minneapolis, MN to her parents, Stanisław and Ludwika Ulin. Her family had recently immigrated from Poland and  returned back to Poland to be with their family when Bernice was two.. She and her family fled the country during WWII and immigrated back to the US. This unique upbringing gifted her a special kind of resiliency.

She met the love of her life, Walter F. Bozyczko, in Cambridge, MA and were married on June 6, 1955. Bernice was predeceased by Walter in 2008. Walter and Bernice built a special life together. Through the years they lived in Massachusetts, Maryland, Germany, France, and settled in Poughkeepsie, NY.  In retirement they acquired a condo in Tequesta, FL where they would spend the winters soaking up the sun. Following Walter’s passing, Bernice, with the aid of her cousin-in-law, Stefania, spent their time between their Poughkeepsie and Florida homes.

Bernice spent her life as a homemaker crafting a successful household and delicious Polish dinners. Her hobbies included sewing, crocheting, needlepoint, gardening, and jigsaw puzzles. She loved dolls and through the years collected many Polish dolls and even crafted several Raggedy Ann dolls as well. She had an excellent voice and was in several choir groups. She could often be heard singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Que Sera. Bernice’s Polish heritage was immensely important to her. She was sure to pass along Polish traditions and culture to her family and friends. She loved speaking Polish and enjoyed teaching people simple Polish words and phrases. Babcia, the Polish word for grandmother, was how her grandchildren called her, and will forever hold a special significance in their hearts.

Bernice was a devout Catholic and parishioner of Holy Trinity Church (Poughkeepsie, NY) and St. Jude Church (Tequesta, FL).  She greatly enjoyed singing in their choir groups.

Bernice is survived by her only child, Michael Bozyczko and his wife Debbi.  She is also survived by her two loving grandsons, Timothy Bozyczko and Thomas Bozyczko (fiancé Marisa Jicha), and several nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her 3 sisters: Stella, Mary, and Louise.

Calling hours will be held from 5pm to 7pm Wednesday June 23, 2021 at the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home 371 Hooker Ave. Poughkeepsie, New York 12603. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10am Thursday June 24, 2021 at Holy Trinity Church 775 Main Street Poughkeepsie, New York. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery Poughkeepsie, New York.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Trinity Church, 775 Main Street Poughkeepsie, NY.

If you would like to leave an online condolence please visit our website at www.doylefuneralhome.com