Bernice Erlene Sliva, 92, of Bay City, passed away Thursday, February 11, 2016. She was born November 10, 1923 in Wharton, Texas to the late Adolph & Christina Shoppa.

She married Sylvester Sliva July 7, 1942 and spent their honeymoon in Wharton, Texas at the Tee Pee Motel. Like many young married women, Bernice's husband went off to fight in World War II. Meanwhile back in Wharton, Bernice was keeping busy working at the Manhattan Restaurant. After three years, Sylvester returned home from the war and they started their family. Their marriage was blessed with six children: James Lee, Bobby, LaVerne, Diana, Joey, and Carol.

A devout Catholic, Bernice had a regular presence at Holy Cross Catholic Church where she was a member of the Holy Cross Altar Society. Bernice's family was her pride and joy. She made sure Diana, Joey, and Carol went to Holy Cross Catholic School for their religious education. Bernice worked for Bay City I.S.D. in the food service for 10 years and at the cafeteria for Holy Cross Catholic School for 8 years with her very best friend, Theresa Lyle, which you never saw one without the other! Bernice would cook fresh vegetables and delicious kolaches for the nuns at Holy Cross Catholic Church for many years. She was especially known for her famous poppy seed cake which was auctioned off at the Holy Cross Fall Festival every year. She had the kindest heart anyone could have.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Sylvester Sliva of 57 years; her children: James Lee, Bobby, and LaVerne; sisters: Nollie Socha, Loraine Anders, Betty Ann Shindler, and brothers: George Shoppa, and Adolph Shoppa, Jr.

She is survived by: her sister, Shirley Swinford & husband Ronnie; her brother, Lloyd Shoppa & wife Betty Jean; daughters, Diana Osborne and husband, Skipper, Carol Biezenski and husband, Eddie; son: Joey Sliva and wife, Nancy; grandchildren: Brandon Osborne & wife Jamie, Stacey Richards & husband Jess, Stuart Sliva & wife Jennifer, and Stefanie Armatta & husband Steven, and Brittany Biezenski; great-grandchildren: Drake, Carter, & Myatt Richards, Marlie & Steelie Armatta, Mason, Morgan, Cole, & Sophie Sliva, Greyson Campbell, Trinity, McKenzie, & Emily Osborne. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers: George Harrison, Brandon Osborne, Chris Shoppa, Jimmy Shoppa, Ronnie Shoppa, Edward Socha, Paul Sliva, and Stuart Sliva.

The Sliva Family would like to express sincere thanks to Matagorda Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the special care Bernice received.

The family will receive visitors at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home on Sunday February 14, 2016 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with the Rosary starting at 6:30 PM. The Funeral Mass will be at Holy Cross Catholic Church on Monday February 15, 2016 at 10:00 AM with Fr. Greg Korenek officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery on Golden Avenue in Bay City.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Holy Cross Catholic School Foundation, 2001 Katy Avenue, Bay City, TX 77414.