Bernice Evelyn (Martin) Riester, 94, of Bethel Park, Pa., formerly of Wheeling, W.Va., passed away Tuesday, March 8, 2016, in Asbury Heights, Mount Lebanon, Pa.
Bernice was born October 23, 1921, in Wheeling, a daughter of the late Valentine H. and Amelia (Schrimp) Martin. She was a former member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Wheeling, and the Wheeling Women’s and Homemaker’s Club. She was also a U.S. Navy Veteran, having served in the W.A.V.E.S. (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service), during World War II.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edward J. Riester, in 2007; three sisters, Dorothy Burral, Mary Ryan and Thelma Purdue; and two brothers, Alvin and Wilbur Martin.
Bernice is survived by her three sons, Tom (Georgia) Riester of Bethel Park, Pa., John (Jane) Riester of Andersen, S.C. and Mike Riester of Wheeling; a sister, Sylvia (Chet) Dimmerling of Sebring, Ohio; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one great- grandchild on the way.
Friends will be received from 4-7 pm, Friday, at the Altmeyer Funeral Home, Elm Grove Chapel, 154 Kruger Street, Wheeling, where a vigil service will be held at 6 pm.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Noon, Saturday, March 12, 2016, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Wheeling, with the Rev. Msgr. Paul Hudock as celebrant. Interment will following in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Wheeling.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Asbury Foundation, 700 Bower Hill Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15243, or online at www.tmcfunding.com. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.altmeyer.com
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time
May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,
May your memories of Bernice Evelyn Riester, give you peace, comfort and strength…
Rest now in the arms of our Lord your work on earth is complete.
I thank you for your service and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of…..
US Navy WAVES WW II Veteran, Bernice Evelyn Riester, “A True American Hero” God Bless†
† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †