Berniece J. Gostylo

   Berniece J. Gostylo, age 92, a lifelong Hammond resident, passed away on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at Mount Vernon Nursing & Rehabilitation in Mt. Vernon, IN.

Berniece was born in Hammond, IN on November 25, 1930 to Paul and Catherine (Shultz) Huber. She grew up in north Hammond with her six (6) siblings and was a 1948 graduate of Hammond High. After high school, she was employed by Bell Telephone (aka AT&T) initially as a switchboard operator and then as an engineering clerk. Later in her adult life, she worked at Queen Anne Candy Company, US Steel, and Mutual Benefit Life Insurance (Chicago, IL)

She was of the Catholic faith and a lifelong member of All Saints Catholic Church in Hammond where she had been an adult choir member, Eucharistic Minister, and for many years a weekly Bingo worker raising funds to support Catholic education among many activities. In Mount Vernon, IN, she was ministered to by members of St. Matthew Catholic Church.

Berniece enjoyed sewing and crocheting among other crafts. Her crocheted doilies and afghans are among the many treasures she shared with her family and friends. Her handwriting was beautiful. Many of the greeting cards she sent were kept as keepsakes. She meant the world to us and will be remembered with grateful hearts.

Berniece was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Michael J. Petrunich (1960), her second husband Joseph G. (Gus) Gostylo, granddaughter Amanda C. Kuper, brothers Daniel Huber and Terry Huber, and son Patrick A. Petrunich (2020).

She is survived by her son Michael J. (Patricia Stasik) Petrunich of Valparaiso, IN, her two daughters Catherine A. (Eric) Leavitt of Everett, WA and Mary J. (Glen) Kuper of Mount Vernon, IN. Also surviving Berniece are her eight grandchildren: Maureen (Billy) Rutherford, Catherine (Richard) Porras, Colleen Petrunich, Ainsley Holz, Aaron and Hailey Leavitt, Charles Kuper, and Andrew (Brenna) Kuper; her five great-grandchildren: Sullivan and Shae Rutherford, Oliver Holz, Oliver and Laura Kuper, and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by four siblings: sisters Ann (late James) Fitzsimons, Lucille (late Paul) Bomba, and Geraldine (Ronald) Falaschetti, brother Paul (late Bonita) Huber, and one sister-in-law Dottie Huber

 Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Thursday, September 28th at Acevez Funeral Home, (formerly Anthony & Dziadowicz) 4404 Cameron Avenue, Hammond, IN.

Aligned with Berniece’s wishes, her deceased son Patrick Petrunich’s life will be remembered and celebrated at the same time.

A final viewing will be held Friday at 9:30 -10:45 prior to Mass at the Funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Friday September 29th at St. Casimir Catholic Church, with Rev. Eduardo Malagon officiating.

 Burial at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Schererville, IN. to follow.

“In lieu of flowers donations to Mt. Vernon Nursing and Rehabilitation  would be greatly appreciated”