Bernice Wallon Welch, 92, of Eldred, PA passed away Thursday (March 30, 2023).

She was a daughter of Joseph and Anna Wallon, born May 20, 1930, in Olean, N.Y., residing in Eldred since 1960.

She was a graduate of Olean High School, class of 1948, and Sisters of Charity School of Nursing, Buffalo, N.Y., class of 1952. After nursing school, she and three classmates moved to California to work. She later returned to Olean to work at several local hospitals.

On Aug. 20, 1955, at Transfiguration Church in Olean, she married Dr. John Preston Welch Jr., who predeceased her on Aug. 23, 1996.

Bernice was selfless with family, friends, church, and community. She was proud of her Polish heritage and would offer a shot of Krupnik to any willing visitor. She loved to travel and her favorite travel memories were trips to see Pope John Paul II. We’re pretty sure she is now dancing the polka with St. John Paul II as she always wanted.

Bernice was a member of St Raphael’s Church and Altar Rosary Society, Eldred Nurses Association, Eldred Red Hatted Rebels, Pulaski Club of Olean.

She is survived by daughters, Pat Welch, Kathy (Rick) Markey, Jackie (Perry) Burdick, and Mo (Tim) Raught; 14 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren; sisters, Marion Pockalny, Jenny (Ray) Borowski, and Joan (Tom) Kaydos, all of Olean, N.Y.; a sister-in-law, Mary Katherine Valentinelli of Dryden, N.Y.; and several nieces and nephews.

Bernice was predeceased by daughter Dr. Ann Welch and sons Michael “Doc” Welch and John Welch, and her parents.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday (April 2, 2023) at the Charles M. Frame Funeral Home, 230 Main St., Eldred. The rosary will be recited by St Raphael’s Altar Rosary Society at 6:45 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 11 a.m. Monday (April 3, 2023), officiated by Fr. Brian Vossler and Fr. Tom Brown at St Raphael’s, 16 First St., Eldred.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Eldred World War II Museum, Eldred Library and Historical Society, or UPMC Hospice, 102-108 S. Main St. Coudersport, PA 16915.