Bernice Bukosky – Kankakee, Ill., formerly of Donora

Bernice Bukosky, 88, of Kankakee, Ill., passed peacefully on Dec. 8, 2022, after a prolonged illness. Ms. Bukosky was a long-time faculty member in the English Department at Kankakee Community College. She was a native of Donora. A graduate of Donora High School, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from California University of Pennsylvania (California State Teachers College) and her Master of Arts in English from West Virginia University. During her many years of living in Kankakee, Ms. Bukosky was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears football team and an ardent admirer of legendary Bears Head Coach, Mike Ditka. Ms. Bukosky is survived by her life partner of more than 40 years, Mr. Gene Seamark of Kankakee, and his mother, Cecilia Seamark also of Kankakee; nephew, Ronald Anthony (Elaine Anthony) of Irwin; nephew, Gerard Hilinski (Charlotte Wasko) of Brunswick, Ohio; great-nephews, Brad Anthony, Robert Anthony and Brian Hilinski; great-niece Elizabeth Holtzman; and their respective spouses and children. In addition, she has numerous cousins residing throughout the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Ms. Bukosky was preceded in death by father, Val Bukosky; mother, Rose Bukosky; sister, Ethel Anthony; and sister, Cecilia Hilinski. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022, at St. John Paul II Catholic Parish in Kankakee, with burial to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Kankakee. Arrangements by CLANCY-GERNON-HERTZ FUNERAL HOME, Kankakee. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Illinois Chapter of the American Heart Association or the Kankakee County Humane Foundation. Please sign her guestbook at www.clancygernon.com.