Bernice S. HeLal

Bernice S. HeLal, age 93, of Dallas, Texas passed away on Friday October 5, 2018. Bernice was born Saturday December 13, 1924, in Highland Park, Michigan to Zanib (Berry) and Mike Sabaugh. She was the second eldest of seven children; Sam, Bernice, Mary, Burgess, Jimmy, Rosie, and Fay. As the oldest sister she inherited the role of her Mother’s helper and she helped parent her three younger sisters. She enjoyed playing house mostly to get her mother’s approval, but she also gained the respect of her three brothers and three sisters. Her first language was Arabic, since both parents were Lebanese immigrants

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Bernice grew up in the Detroit Suburbs of Michigan. Starting first grade was a wonderful experience for Bernice, especially for the freedom it provided from the mundane house chores for which she was responsible. Her earliest memories are of her family’s move to Dearborn, Michigan. It was her first home with her own room. She entered the third grade in Dearborn. The home faced a busy street with pedestrian and automobile traffic, so naturally, safety was a concern. She helped her mother select and arrange furniture while her father succeeded in finding employment in the Steel Mills of Ford Motor Company.

Bernice’s family “picked-up” a couple of stray cats for “mousers” and later accepted a Spitz Terrier for a pet dog. Changing schools was awkward for her at first, but she soon adapted to her new multicultural environment and change in lifestyle. English gradually replaced Arabic as the family’s main language. Entering Junior High School was a life-changing experience for Bernice, with her teachers helping her form her identity and social values. She became so proficient in Home Economics that her parents bought her a pedal-activated Singer Sewing Machine. At age fifteen, she found part-time work in a jewelry store. Her school had a regular-sized swimming pool which was available to students during the summer months. Her love for swimming began at an early age.

Bernice was a junior when World War II began. By the time she graduated, all three brothers were in the military service. Bernice graduated from Fordson High School in 1943. She decided to help with the war efforts, taking a job as an inspector (quality control) with Ford Motor Company. As the war wound down, she found work with the Dearborn Public Schools as a Secretary to the Assistant Superintendent and also enrolled in some evening college courses.

Bernice decided to accompany her mother, in 1951, on her first return visit to the “Old Country.” At the Port of Beirut, her mother was met by a brother and sister that she and Bernice had never seen. Spending the summer with relatives in a different culture motivated Bernice to continue her education. In 1955, she decided to get her degree in education and matriculated in the University of Michigan. Her father purchased a neighborhood grocery store. The brother of her future husband (Sam HeLal) was living in the neighborhood and she met Sam while they were shopping there. Who knew a year later the two would ‘bump” into each other in an Ann Arbor bookstore? Sam, invited her to a Wesley Foundation activity and upon her graduation, two years hence, the couple married on Groundhog Day, Sunday, February 02, 1958, at the Ford Village Chapel in Dearborn, Michigan. They were married sixty years upon Bernice’s recent passing. The couple adopted two amazing sons, Damon and Daren, which in later years would bring them the blessing of three grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Bernice and Sam moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where Sam found employment with the Collins Radio Company; and Bernice taught in the city school system. In 1963, she earned her MA in Education from the University of Iowa. She taught remedial reading for one year and then decided to be a fulltime homemaker. She still loved playing house.

Bernice was active in the Methodist church. Prayer was an important part of the HeLal family life, and they cherish Christian Fellowship. Bernice and Sam moved to Highland Springs in 2006 and adopted the Joy Sunday School Class, St. Andrew United Methodist Church as their extended family in Christ.

Bernice would always be a supporter of military personal, having her father serve in the Army in World War I, brothers serve in World War II, and her husband in the Korean Conflict.

Bernice was a wonderful and loving mother, wife, and homemaker, for sixty years. She enjoyed family time and especially playing cards as a family activity. Her favorite place to be was at Lake Dearborn in Michigan. She was a life member of the AAUW (American Association of University Woman) and a life member of the ADS (American Druze Society).

Bernice’s husband, Sam, takes comfort in knowing she will be remembered for her cheerful personality and positive attitude.

Bernice is preceded in death by sons, Damon and Daren; parents, Mike and Zanib Sabaugh; brothers, Sam, Jimmy, and Burgess; and sister Rosie.

Bernice is survived by her beloved husband, Sam HeLal; sister, Mary and Fay.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.teddickeywestfuneral.com for the HeLal family.