Bernice Grace (Reynolds) Ethier, age 90, of Brockton, passed away Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 6:15 p.m. at Good Samaritan Medical Center unexpectedly after a lengthy illness. She was born July 10, 1925 at the Riffle family homestead in Orlando, Lewis Co., WV; the daughter of the late George William and Grace Mabel (Riffle) Reynolds. On December 9, 1950, she married Donald Howard Ethier, who loved her beyond words, at Fort Dix, NJ, after just two weeks of courtship. He preceded her in death March 7, 1994. Bernice is survived by her children Donald W. (Barbara) Ethier of Norton, John R. (Kelly) Ethier of Middleborough, and Cindy E. Ethier-Kostka of Brockton. Her nine grandchildren Dawn (John) Young of Norwell, Donald W. (Alison) Ethier Jr. of Reading, Mark Ethier of Norton, John R. Jr., Hayley A., Jacob D. and Abigail R. Ethier all of Middleborough, Christopher J. Kostka of San Diego, CA and Emily C. Kostka of Philadelphia, PA. Her four great-granddaughters Cooper M. and Parker F. Young of Norwell and Riley G. and Avery C. Ethier of Reading. Also her son-in-law John J. Kostka of Brockton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Betty Jo (Reynolds) Papizan of Montgomery, AL, many aunts, uncles and cousins. She was a proud veteran of the Women’s Army Corps having served during the Korean Conflict as a dental technician achieving the rank of Private First Class. She was stationed at Fort Sam Houston, TX and Fort Dix, NJ where she met her husband. 

 Bernice was a very strong advocate for local veterans. She was a life member of American Legion Brockton Post 35, having served as Commander and Adjutant. In the American Legion she was also active having served on the District 10 Executive Committee and as the Department of MA Executive Committeewoman. She was a Past Director-VIP of Echelon 2 Department of MA 20&4 Honor Society of Women Legionnaires; and American Legion Auxiliary Brockton Unit 35. She was honored by her peers by being elected the first woman and Korean Era veteran to serve as Commander of the Brockton Veteran’s Council. In that position she was instrumental in the establishment of the Korean-Vietnam Memorial Park in Brockton. She was also the first woman appointed to serve the City of Brockton as a Trustee of the War Memorial Building. For several years she oversaw the American Flag decoration of veteran’s graves in Brockton for Memorial Day. Bernice was also a charter member of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial located in Washington DC. Bernice was also honored when she was appointed to the Massachusetts Governor’s Advisory Committee for Women Veterans by MA Governors Michael Dukakis, William Weld and A. Paul Cellucci. A talented seamstress by trade, she did alterations and dress making including wedding and prom gowns. She loved sewing for her grandchildren and was a wonderful cook having learned from her mother and grandmother. Bernice was an avid reader, enjoyed gardening, the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox. Bernice was especially proud of all of her children and grandchildren and loved hearing of all their accomplishments. She will truly be missed by all who loved her. Friends are invited to share memories with Bernice’s family Sunday, May 22 from 1-4 p.m. with a 4 p.m. service Waitt Funeral Home, 850 N. Main St., Brockton. A committal service will be held Monday, May 23 at 9:45 a.m. at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, MA where she will be laid to rest next to her husband. Memorial donations may be made in Bernice’s name to the Women in Military Service for America at Women's Memorial Foundation Dept. 560, Washington, DC 20042-0560 or the Brockton Public Library Foundation, P.O. Box 202, Brockton, MA 02303.

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