Nancy Leigh (Smith) Bernius

Nancy Leigh (Smith) Bernius, loving wife, mother, and grandma, passed away on Friday, August 26, 2022 at the age of 85 at her home in Metamora, IL.

Nancy was born on January 23, 1937, in Cuba, IL, to Vernon and Zelma (Churchill) Smith. They soon relocated to Princeville, IL where she took an active role working the family farm. She married Arthur M. Bernius on December 1, 1957. Together they raised three sons, Greg, Jeff, and Doug and a daughter, Karen McCullough.

An avid gardener and nature lover, Nancy delighted in tending to her many Hosta beds and would spend hours watching and feeding the array of birds and animals that gathered in her backyard and neighboring woods. She had a big heart and was very much involved in both her church and community where she was a long time member of the local Women's Club and Philathea, sat on her church worship committee and volunteered as an ombudsman and resident advocate at Snyder Village Retirement Community.

An enthusiastic traveler, Nancy and Art were able to explore much of America and Europe and somehow found joy in cramming four children into the back of a Pontiac Bonneville for week long road trips, usually to the Mountain West.

Nancy is survived by her three sons, two grandchildren, Nathaniel and Colton Bernius, and son-in-law, Daryl McCullough. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Art, daughter Karen, and brother Larry.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Memorial Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at Christian Union Church, 925 West Walnut Street, Metamora. A private family graveside service will be held at Oakwood Cemetery in Metamora with Pastor Bob DeBolt officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Snyder Village Residents in Need Fund, 1200 East Partridge Street, Metamora, IL 61548 or to the Center for Prevention of Abuse, 720 West Joan Court, Peoria, IL 61614. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

Snyder Village Residents in Need Fund
1200 East Partridge Street, Metamora IL 61548

Center for Prevention of Abuse
720 West Joan Court, Peoria IL 61614
Web: http://www.centerforpreventionofabuse.org/how-to-help/monetary-donations/