Bernice McFarland

Bernice Evelyn McFarland (nee Goodrich), age 89, died Saturday, May 12, 2012, at Central DuPage Hospital. Bernice was born on March 26, 1923 in Glen Ellyn, IL, to George and Louise Goodrich. Bernice was highly skilled in mathematics, and during WWII worked as a comptometer operator in an accounting department in Chicago. She took great pride in being one of the few women working in a male-dominated field. Bernice was a proponent of women's rights, and adamant about women continuing their education, to the best of their ability.
Bernice met Gordon K. McFarland on a blind date at a WLS (radio station) barn dance, and married on August 30, 1946. He predeceased her in death on January 25, 2000. Gordon and Bernice were active members of the American Legion, Post 300, Bernice continued involvement with the Auxiliary up to the time of her death. She was also an active member of the West Chicago Garden Club. She enjoyed preparing for the club's annual "pot party," and looked forward to it with great anticipation. Her garden was her pride and joy, but she also loved knitting. She knitted hundreds of pairs of hand warmers for donation to the Central DuPage Hospital. Gordon and Bernice had two children, who survive her. Gene (Patricia), and Joyce (Christopher) Otis. Bernice is also survived by four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren: Kelly (Andrew & Kaitlin) Currieri, Sean (Samantha & Sarah), Jennifer (Ryan & Kelvin) Murphy, and Julie (Eric Fry) O'Brien.
A Celebration of the Life of Bernice McFarland will be held at Norris-Walen-Segert Funeral Home, 132 Fremont St. West Chicago, on Saturday June 2, 2012. A gathering will begin at 1:00 P.M. and a service will begin at 1:30 P.M. For Info 630-231-0060 or www.norriswalensegertfh.com