Obituary of Florence E. Bernholz

Florence Elizabeth (Pawlikowski) Bernholz passed peacefully sitting in her recliner, on Thursday December 31, 2020 at the age of 84. Her quiet death marked the end of a remarkable life. Born in Rome, NY on February 24, 1936, the daughter of Joseph Pawlikowski and Stella Peplowski. Florence was a graduate of Rome Free Academy. Florence married her childhood sweetheart Ronald Bernholz on February 14, 1955. They celebrated 59 years of marriage until his death on June 20, 2014. They spent their early years in south Rome and later built their home in Westmoreland where they raised their family. She enjoyed country living, gardening, crafts, sewing and spending time with her precious children and grandchildren. Florence and Ron enjoyed travelling across the United States and Canada. They frequented many of the casinos along the way. In her earlier years, Florence was active with the 4-H club as a leader sharing her passion for crafts, sewing and cooking. She was also a part owner of Five Star Fitness in Rome, NY. She had a love of dogs, especially Ginger, Shannon, Cole, Danny, and Sandy. Florence was employed by Griffiss Air Force Base, Accounting division for 35 years retiring in 1992 to spend more time with Ron. Her joys and pleasures were to be found in her family and the life they all shared. She leaves to grieve and will be sadly missed by her son David Bernholz, Deerfield, daughters Karen (Steve) Chitty, Rome and Lynn (Romesh) Amarasinghe, Westmoreland. Three precious grandchildren who she loved so dearly, Jake Chitty, Patrick and Kaitlyn Amarasinghe. She is also survived by five stepchildren, David, Adam and Andrew Chitty, Daemon Garafallo and Allisen (Gerald) Leanard, sister-in-law Nancy Pawlikowski, her special niece, Susan Keyser, and nephew Brian Pawlikowski, cousins, and a cherished friend Gerri Feole of Rome. Florence was predeceased by her husband Ronald, her parents Joseph and Stella Pawlikowski, her brothers Joseph, Raymond, Henry and daughter-in-law, Angela Bernholz. Family and friends are invited to call at Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 418 N. George St., Rome, on 5-7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Stevens-Swan Humane Society or Humane Society of Rome. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a limited number of guests will be allowed to enter the funeral home at one time, everyone must wear a face covering upon entering and proper social distancing protocols must be adhered to once inside. You may light a candle, send a message of sympathy, and read the obituary at www.nunnandharper.com.