Bernice E. Nowicki

Bernice Nowicki died peacefully on January 23, 2025 at the age of 90. Born in Wilmington, DE on August 24, 1934 to Genevieve and Edward Palivoda. As the granddaughter of Polish immigrants, she spoke Polish from an early age. She was very close to her Babcia and was lovingly referred to as “the Polish Princess”. She met her husband Bob at a USO dance in 1952. They shared a love of music which lasted a lifetime. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Edward (Jack) Palivoda, Jr., her nephew Michael Florczyk, husband Robert Nowicki and son-in-law Bill Parisi. Bernice worked for the Board of Education at the Wilmington Teacher’s Credit Union and later as a realtor for Patterson Schwartz. She and Bob enjoyed their retirement years in Dewey Beach, DE where she served as the Baystrand II treasurer for many years and was active in the Henlopen Senior Center. She was a member of the Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality and was actively involved in the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Bob and Bernice spent their winter months in Jupiter, Florida enjoying the warm weather and spending time with family and friends. She loved dancing and happy hours by the pool or by the bay. She loved her family deeply and will be sadly missed.

Bernice is survived by her children, Robin Nowicki, Karen Parisi, Diane Chase (Bill), Jeffrey Nowicki (Andrea), Lorane Clark (Robert), Glenn Nowicki (Maureen), her sister Justine Florczyk, and niece Kathy Florczyk. Also surviving are grandchildren Alex, Krista, Natalie, Jake, Aubrey and Lauryn as well as her 6 great grandchildren.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Anthony of Padua, 901 N. DuPont St. Wilmington, DE. 19805 on February 14th at 10:00 A.M. Internment will be private at Delaware Veterans Cemetery in Millsboro, DE.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the caregivers at Harbor Chase in Wilmington for their kindness in caring for Bernice. We’d also like to thank Susan and her staff at Bayada Hospice for their excellent care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Catholic Charities.

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