Bernice R. Nowakowksi

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Bernice Rose (Prusacki) Nowakowski, 86, of Tamaroa, passed away at 7:34 a.m., Saturday, March 17, 2012 at her residence.

Bernice had been a homemaker. She was a member of the St. Charles Catholic Church in Du Bois.

She was born June 28, 1925 at St. Louis, Mo., the daughter of Mike S. and Rose (Nikrant) Prusacki.

She married Thomas J. Nowakowski on July 6, 1946 at St. Charles Catholic Church in Du Bois and he preceded her in death on Aug. 16, 1977.

She is survived by one son - Robert Nowakowski of Tamaroa, one daughter - Marsha Gajewski and husband Fred of Ashley, seven grandchildren - James Nowakowski, Ronald Nowakowski, Brett Nowakowski and Jade, Michael Gajewski, Matthew Gajewski and Christie, Andrew Gajewski, and Jason Gajewski and Amanda, two brothers - Michael Prusacki and wife Rosalea of Du Quoin, and Leon Prusacki and wife Connie of Tamaroa, two sisters-in-law - Dorothy Prusacki of Du Quoin and Eleanor Bronke of Tamaroa, and one brother-in-law - Richard Nowakowski, five great grandsons, three great granddaughters, one great great granddaughter.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two siblings - LaVerne Kabat and Ralph Prusacki and one grandson - Jordon Gajewski.

Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at the St. Charles Catholic Church in Du Bois with Fr. Oliver Nwachukwu officiating.

Friends called from 5 to 8 p.m., Monday at the Searby Funeral Home in Tamaroa.

Rosary was prayed at 7:30 p.m., Monday at the Searby Funeral Home in Tamaroa.

Burial was in the St. Charles Cemetery at Du Bois.

Friends may make memorials to the St. Charles Catholic Church or the St. Charles Cemetery and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.