January 17, 1938 - December 10, 2024
Bradenton, Florida - Bernice Marie Bronakoski, 86, passed away on December 10, 2024 in Bradenton's Tidewell Hospice. Born in Erie to Polish immigrant Aleksy (Alex) and Clara (Niedzielski) Woldanksi on January 17, 1938 she was proud of her heritage and often danced to Polka music. Upon graduation from Villa Maria Academy in Erie, she worked for several years as a saleswoman at the Trask Prescott and Richardson (TP&R) Department Store.
Bernice then married Ronald Bronakoski of Erie, PA, and they separated not long after the birth of their fourth child. Raising 4 children as a single mom, Bernice worked for decades with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's County Assistance Office in Erie, where she assisted hundreds of area residents. In the early 1990's she began to vacation in Florida, leaving behind the harsh winters of Erie. Upon retirement from the state, Bernice earned her "snow bird" wings and enjoyed time in the Sunshine State with her sister Genevieve and other friends from Pennsylvania. In 2005, our snow bird fully nested and became a permanent resident of Bradenton. A tiny woman with a huge personality, Bernice was not one to be idle, and she began volunteer work at the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in Sarasota. She received several honors for her time there. Bernice enjoyed the company of others while playing cards, but also enjoyed quiet time sitting and resting in the warm Florida sun at her Garden Lakes Courtyard home. In November of 2022, she relocated to the Waters Edge Assisted Living. Trips through the community on the golf cart, and running errands with her aide Ty brought joy to Bernice as her health took away some of her independence. At one of her last special events at Waters Edge, she was dancing and enjoying a glass of wine.
Bernice is survived by her 4 children Catherine Ann Maloney of Missouri City, TX, Ronald Sigismund Bronakoski (Michelle) of Stevesville, MI, Christine Marie Greaves (Robert) of Erie, PA and Robert Stanley Bronakoski (Tommy Dembinsky) of Knoxville, TN, 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as siblings Rita Woldanski (2002), Sofia Bradley (2006), Stanislaus ("Stanley") Woldanski (2011) and Genevieve Chizewick (2015), a step-grandson Joseph Steele (2000) and her former husband Ronald Stanley Bronakoski (2015).
The family acknowledges the compassionate care received by Mrs. Natalia "Ty" Smith and her staff, as well as the kind-hearted companionship of her friends at Garden Lakes and the employees of Waters Edge.
Donations in memory of Bernice may be made to the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium (www.mote.org) 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236.
Online condolences for the family may be emailed to bernice.bronakoski.memories@gmail.com.
