Elsie Bernethy

Elsie M. Bernethy, age 84, passed away on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at Caro Community Hospital after a lingering illness. Elsie Marguerite Cousins was born on January 14, 1928 in Flint to the late Henry C. and Viola A. (Hoisington) Cousins. On January 12, 1946, in the City of Flint, she was united in marriage with John A. Moritz. He preceded her in death. She later married Ward Bernethy and he preceded her in death in 1982. Elsie was a hard worker and throughout her life she worked as a waitress, a new car conditioner, a print setter, babysitter, as well as Thumbody Bus Driver and an aide for Tuscola County Behavioral Health Systems. She enjoyed the companionship of her cats, playing a variety of musical instruments, taking the grandchildren fishing and on nature walks. Surviving is one daughter, Linda (Terry) Chappel of Caro; two step-daughters; a son-in-law, Richard Pachla of Cass City; nine grandchildren, Michele Piotrowski of Colorado, Dennis (Jen) Piotrowski of Colorado, John (Lisa) Pachla of Vermont, Nathan (Amanda) Jickling of Lapeer, Sharon (Don) Greenfield of Unionville, Stacy Chappel of Deford, LeaAnn King of Florida, Danyel (Chris) Ball of Columbiaville and Erin (Matt) Wik of Florida; several great-grandchildren; and her nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husbands, Elsie was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Jean Page; a son, Henry Martin Moritz; and a daughter, Phyllis Pachla. There will be no formal services and the family will honor Elsies passing at a later date. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to The American Cancer Society.