Obituary of Bernice C. Schiappa

Leeds- Bernice C. (LaBrie) Schiappa, 86, passed away November 6, 2023. She was born on February 15, 1937, in Holyoke, MA, to the late Albert and Jeannette (Edwards) LaBrie. 

In earlier years, Bernice was former Champion in Artistic Roller Skating of the East Coast. On April 26, 1958, she married her loving husband, Joseph, and dedicated her time to raising her children and caring for her family.

Besides her parents, Bernice was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Joseph Schiappa, in August of 2022. 

She is survived by three daughters, Jeanann (Floyd) Gilbert of Erin, NY, Theresa Schiappa of Hatfield, MA, and Helene (David) DeSantis of Ludlow, MA; four grandchildren, Kevin (Corinne) Kennedy, Joey (Rachel) Novelli, Theresa (Pete) McLoughlin, and Joseph (Kyrstin) Morin; as well as four great-grandchildren, Peter and Raeleigh McLoughlin, and Victor and Logan Morin. She also leaves her siblings, Lorraine Ensor, Linda (Joe) Sigda, and Albert (Marilyn) LaBrie.

A period of visitation will be held on Friday, November 17th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. with a funeral service to begin at 11:00 a.m. at the Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home. Burial will immediately follow in St. Rose Cemetery on Granby Rd, South Hadley, where Joseph and Bernice will be interred together. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bernice's memory can be made to the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Please visit www.beersandstory.com to extend online condolences.