Obituary of Bernice M. Pivarnik

Bernice Marie Pivarnik 05/13/24-06/30/12 Age 88, from Annandale, VA died quietly at home in hospice after complications from a stroke of 10 years and a broken heart. Born in Bridgeport, CT. She was the daughter of William Podrasky and Anna Knapik Podrasky. Bernice attended Vassar College, and received her RN degree from Bridgeport School of Nursing in 1949. Bernice started her career under Everett Koop during the 50’s polio epidemic, working at Philadelphia Children’s Hospital. She was head of Pediatrics at Bridgeport Hospital in Connecticut. After her nursing career and raising her 2 children, Bernice was very active as a member of the Potomac Unit of the National Herb Society, serving for a number of years as president. She will be dearly missed by the entire community of gardeners with whom she shared her love of herbs and plants. In 1952, she married Frederick Raymond Pivarnik of Bridgeport, CT. They shared a life of almost 60 years together. Bernice Pivarnik passed away 24 days after her husband. (They missed their 60th wedding anniversary by 1 day). Bernice is survived by her brother William Podrasky and Frederick by his sister Virginia Booth, daughter- Susan Nicholson of Herndon, VA; Son- Matthew Pivarnik of Gloucester, VA; and 3 grandchildren. Donations are requested in the name of Bernice for the the support of the Intern of the Herb Garden and a memorial at the National Arboretum in Washington DC. Please Mail to: Potomac Unit P.O.Box 1055, Springfield, VA 22151 Internment for Bernice & Frederick will be at Arlington National Cemetery on November 1,1912 @ 11:00 am at the Columnbarium/Niche Wall. Reception Reception to follow immediately after the service at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial on the grounds of the cemetery. Parking is available at the cemetery’s visitors center.