Bernice H. Kijowski – Hylek

(Nee Hamerla)

Age 101, late of Lockport passed away peacefully on Monday, December 7, 2020. Born in Joliet lifelong Crest Hill / Lockport area resident. Lifelong member of St. Joseph Church, Lockport. Bernice was an exceptional cook at both the Cathedral of St. Raymond Church, Joliet and St. Dennis Church, Lockport retiring in 1988. Member of the Provena St. Joseph Medical Center auxiliary and Senior Spirit, Our Lady of Angels auxiliary and a faithful volunteer at both Silver Cross Hospital and St. Joseph Medical Center.

Preceded in death by her first husband, Joseph Kijowski and second husband, Joseph Hylek; two sons, Joseph Lee and Bernie Kijowski; her parents, John and Catherine (Dudek) Hamerla; two brothers, Ted and Casimer Hamerla; and two sisters, Helen Lukas and Josephine Babusch.

Survived by her children, Nancy (Jack) Pelc of Lockport and Larry (Brenda) Kijowski; daughter-in-law, Sharon Kijowski; 7 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren; brothers John (Rose Marie) Hamerla of Joliet. Numerous nieces, nephews and other cherished family members also survive. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Joliet Area Community Hospice in Bernice's name would be greatly appreciated.

Services will be held Monday, December 14, 2020 in the O'Neil Funeral Home chapel 1105 E. 9 ^th St., Lockport, IL., 60441 at 10:30am proceeding to St. Joseph Church, Lockport for Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am. Interment will be privately held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Joliet with only her immediate family in attendance. Visitation will be held Sunday, December 13, 2020 at the funeral home from 1:00pm until 4:00pm.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, masks and social distancing practices are required inside the funeral home and a limited capacity will be allowed at one time.