Bernadette Pung

There are some who spend their days pursuing fame and fortune, but Bernadette Pung did not worry about storing up treasures according to the world’s measure as there was nothing more important to her than living a life of faith. Because of the life she lived, her children grew to embrace the same faith she treasured and were therefore given a gift greater than anything money could buy. Someone who could find the joy in a child’s smile or a baby’s touch, Affectionately called "Bernie", she was tenderhearted, compassionate, and always looking for ways she could give to those around her. Although her family and friends now say goodbye, they find comfort in knowing that they will one day be reunited in their eternal home.

As the thirties dawned in America, we were being pulled deeper and deeper into the throes of the Great Depression that clutched our nation throughout the entire decade. It was a time when countless Americans lost their jobs, their homes, and their hopes and dreams for the future. Amidst this trying time, there as great reason to celebrate in the family of William and Julie (Stump) Theis since it was on February 1, 1930, that they were pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Bernadette. Born in Dallas Township, Michigan, just outside of Fowler, Bernie was the oldest of four children in her family including her sister, Joan, and her brothers, Jerome and Julius. Her father worked as a farmer while her mother tended to the house and children. Tragedy struck early in Bernie’s life with the death of her mother when Bernie was just eight years old. As a result, Bernie took over the household chores and also helped out on the farm. She attended Most Holy Catholic Schools through the eighth grade.

Life was forever changed for Bernie when she met the man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Donald William Pung and they met at church. The couple discovered that they shared similar interests, one of which was going to dances. Over the following four years, Bernie and Donald fell in love and were married on February 15, 1950, in Fowler, Michigan. Donald was a farmer and Bernie was a hard worker who was willing to do just about anything that needed to be done around the farm.

After the newlyweds were married for about three years, they were overjoyed to become parents to their first of five children. Being a mother seemed to be a job tailor made just for Bernie as she fully embraced the enormity of the task. She realized that being a mother is so much more than simply caring for a child’s physical needs as it is also a delicate dance that includes nurturing their emotional and spiritual well-being. Bernie made sure that her children had high moral values and were raised in the Catholic faith as well. She loved to cook big meals and made sure there was always enough for leftovers, too. Bernie was also a fantastic baker who was famous for her breads, and she made sure there was always something freshly baked and waiting for her children when they got off the bus.

Much of Bernie’s life was wrapped up in her family. When grandchildren arrived, she couldn’t have been happier as she had a special place in her heart for babies. There were certain things that were traditions in the Pung family including renting cottages around Michigan on the Fourth of July. They also owned a cottage on Derby Lake where Bernie loved spending time with her grandchildren. The Christmas season included a time when she made Christmas cookies with her grandchildren and took a handprint of each of them, too, creating a tangible snapshot in time and memories that will never fade away.

There were so many things that Bernie enjoyed throughout her life. She loved to garden, and many of her homegrown goods graced her table through the years. Bernie found great companionship in her dogs, especially Buttons. Those who knew Bernie were well aware of her passion for playing cards. She and Donald attended card parties for over 52 years, and Bernie was particularly good at Rummy 500.

Bernie Pung was an extraordinary woman to know and love. She was generous, caring, and always available with a listening ear. Although Bernie always missed having a mother in her own life, she effortlessly rose to the challenge with the children the Lord blessed her with. Life was not always easy for Bernie, but she carried herself with strength and grace as her constant companions. She leaves behind a beautiful tapestry of memories that will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of the family and friends she leaves behind.

Bernadette M. Pung died on Thursday, November 18, 2010. Bernie’s family includes her husband, Donald; daughters, Sue (Jim) Thelen and Sharon (Chris) Fink; sons, Dale (Linda) Pung and Randy (Deanna) Pung; 9 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; sister, Joan Platte; brother, Julius (Marilyn) Theis; and sister-in-law, Germaine Pohl. Bernie was preceded in death by her parents, son, Gary Pung, brother, Jerome Theis and brother-in-law, Kenneth Platte. The Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, November 22, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler, burial will follow at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Goerge Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes in Fowler 7-9 p.m. on Saturday with a rosary at 8 p.m. and 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Sunday with Rosaries at 3 and 8 pm. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the American Diabetes Association, Sparrow Hospice House of Mid Michigan or a charity of the donor’s choice.