Born in Stephentown, NY, daughter of the late B. Franklin and Eleanor Decker, Bernice came to the area shortly after her high school graduation with her twin sister Janice Ellis. Tagged as a duo, Bernice and Janice were often known to match their outfits in a way only twins can.
Bernice worked for John I. Paulding and later as an inspector at Titleist. In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing, knitting, and crocheting. She was an avid Red Sox fan, watching even when she would accidentally switch the audio to Spanish, and could be often found working on crossword puzzles or word searches. At home she proudly displayed photos of her grandkids and family, and found joy in keeping up her yard, often out there until the last stick was tidied from her lawn.
She is survived by a son, Eric Sylvia and his wife Sharon of Rochester; four grandchildren, Shayna, Danielle (and husband Ryan Magano), Evan, and Ally; and several nieces and nephews. She was the wife of the late William (Bill) Sylvia; mother of the late Barry Sylvia; twin of the late Janice Ellis; and sister of the late Stanley Decker, William Decker, Armand Decker, and Shirley Tavares.
Her visitation will be Thursday, Oct. 5, 4-7 p.m. at Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Boulevard, New Bedford, MA 02745. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jimmy Fund, c/o Dana Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168 or jimmyfund.org. For online tribute/directions: www.rock-funeralhome.com.
