Bernice Biegaj

Mrs. Bernice Biegaj, age 94, formerly of 76 Cleveland Avenue, Salamanca, New York died Friday, August 6, 2010 at The Pines of Machias, Machias, New York.

Born on April 12, 1916 in Salamanca, New York she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Katherine Nowak Gongol. She was married in Holy Cross Church on September 21, 1937 to Mr. Edward Biegaj who predeceased her on April 20, 2003.

Mrs. Biegaj was employed as a housekeeper for various homes in Salamanca, New York.

She was a member of Holy Cross Church, Holy Cross Rosary Society, AARP, SCOUT, and the former Holy Cross Athletic Club Ladies Auxiliary.

Surviving are: a son, Norman Biegaj, Salamanca, New York; 3 brothers, Mr. Aloysius Gongol, Royal Oak, Michigan, Mr. Theodore (Margaret) Kochan, Little Valley, New York, Mr. Thomas (Gayle) Kochan, Greenwich, Connecticut; 1 sister, Virginia Banner, Little Valley, New York; several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by 4 brothers, Stephen Gongol, Joseph Gongol, Chester Kochan, Stanley Gongol and her stepfather, Thomas Kochan; 2 sisters, Theresa Krolicki, and infant Gertrude Gongol.

Friends may call at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York on Sunday from 5-8 p.m.

A prayer service will be held on Monday at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home on followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Peace Church at 10 a.m. with Father Patrick Melfi, pastor, officiating.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Salamanca, New York.

The family suggests memorials to the Our Lady of Peace Church Memorial Fund, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, or the donor’s choice.

The Rosary of Christian Hope will be recited Sunday evening at 7 p.m. in the funeral home with Fr. John Metka.