She was born on July 27, 1930, in Los Angeles to August and Christina Otto. At the age of three she moved to the Biola area where her family joined the Otto family farmers. She was the youngest of two daughters.
She attended Barstow Elementary School and graduated from Central Union High School in 1948. Shortly after high school she met the love of her life, Ray Lung. She was married in February 1949 until November 2006 when Ray passed away.
Ray and Bernice had two children, Janet and Jerry. Bernice devoted her life to her family and community. She was renowned in the community for her cooking and especially her home baked goods. Her talents didn't end there. She sewed clothing for the entire family and also was an expert at knitting and crocheting. While her children were growing up she was in the PTA, a 4-H Leader, taught Sunday School and active in all church activities.
As if all this didn't keep her busy enough she was very involved and dedicated to the Biola VFW and Auxiliary. She held the Presidency and other positions numerous times. At the time of her death she was the current Auxiliary President. Among her other leadership positions she was a Trustee for District 11. She spent thousands of hours volunteering at the VA hospital, making favors for convalescent homes, and assisting with community events, including Biola Raisin Day. She was also a member of Raisin Wives, again volunteering many hours to their mission of promoting raisins and fund raising for the Fresno community.
Bernice loved her family and always put their needs before hers. She was known as the family messenger keeping everyone informed of family updates. She will be missed by all that knew her.
She is survived by her daughter, Janet Barry-Ciapponi and husband Les Ciapponi; son, Jerry Lung and wife Jeannie; granddaughters, Allyson Edwards and husband Shay, and Kristin Holden; grandsons, Jeff Lung and wife Holly, Jeremy Lung, Jonathan Lung and wife Tiffanie, and Dominic Ducas and wife Brandy; and great- grandchildren, Levi and Logan Lung, and Emma and Dylan Ducas.
Visitation will be held at Stephens and Bean Chapel on Friday, June 6, 2014, from 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m.
A Graveside Service will be held at Fresno Memorial Gardens on Saturday, June 7, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. Immediately following the Graveside Service a Memorial Service will be held at Biola Congregational Church, 4717 5th Street.
The family requests donations may be made to the Biola Congregational Church, P.O. Box 307, Biola, CA 93606; or to the VFW Biola Post 5845 Auxiliary, c/o 5637 North Palm, Apt. A, Fresno, CA 93704.
Arrangements under the direction of Stephens & Bean Funeral Chapel, Fresno, CA.
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