Bernice M. HAMBEAU

Bernice M. Dumas, nee Hambeau, age 91, passed away on Dec. 14, at her home of 52 years in Countryside, loving mother of Thomas Sr., Patrick, Jack (Carol), Jerry, Mary Ann (Ken) Tyler and the late Donald; cherished grandmother of John, Jill, Angela, Mary, Jesse, Trisha, Sarah, Elizabeth and the late Tom Jr.; proud great-grandmother of 14; also survived by many nieces and nephews; her dear friend, Nilda Grzanich; her caring neighbors, Herb and Joyce Habermann; and many good friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; eight siblings; and her husband, Leo. Mrs. Dumas was born on March 19, 1914 in Escanaba, MI. She was the youngest and last surviving child of the late Trefle and Mary Jane, nee Flynn, Hambeau. She grew up in Escanaba and graduated from Escanaba High School in 1932. Bernice moved to Chicago shortly thereafter where she met Leo Dumas. The couple was married at St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Church in Chicago in June of 1936. They lived in Chicago until 1951 when they built one of the first homes in Countryside. Bernice was a founding member of St. Cletus Church where she helped start the St. Cletus Women's Club and the Leisure Loafers Senior Group. She also cooked dinners for the St. Francis B.E.D.S. Organization. She was an office manager for the Countryside Firestone Store for 14 years. She was loved and respected by all who had the privilege to know her. Her door was always open to all who needed a warm smile and a home cooked meal. Her dining room table was the place of many deep discussions and abundant laughter and wonderful memories. Bernice will forever be missed and remembered for her huge heart, terrific sense of humor and loving motherly ways. May God hold her in the palm of his hand. Visitation Thursday 3 to 9 p.m. at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside. Funeral Friday 9:30 a.m. from the chapel to St. Cletus Church. Mass 10 a.m. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Association for Macular Degeneration would be appreciated. Info, 708-352-6500. Published in the Chicago Tribune on 12/15/2005.