Ilion - Mrs. Bernice Marie Heffernan, 89, of Ilion, and formerly of New York City, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026, at the Grand Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Ilion with her loving children by her side.

She was born on June 22, 1936, in Manhattan, a daughter of the late Bernard and Rose Ratty Kelly. Bernice was one of fifteen children and was raised in a close-knit family. She was of the Catholic faith. Bernice was married to James Joseph Heffernan on September 7, 1963 in New York. Together they raised their family and made many fond memories. James passed away in 1995.

She is survived by her beloved children, Mary Ann Heffernan, Maureen Westervelt, Rose Wellens and Margaret Heffernan; her grandchildren, Kristan, Kelly, Elsa, James, Paige, Robert, Daniel, Catherine, and Ashley; her great-grandchildren, Mia, L.J., Francisco, London, Aiden, Charlie, Wes, Levi, Nathaniel and Natalia; her siblings, Rose Colletti, Thomas Kelly, Patrick Kelly, Madeline Pettit, Eugine Tucker and Patricia Olivette and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her siblings, Sarah Donohue, Kathleen Kleinbard, Marcella McHugh, Maureen Kelly, Joseph Kelly, Bernard Kelly, Henry Kelly and Fr. Stephen Kelly.

A graveside service will be held at St. Raymond's Cemetery, Bronx, New York, on Monday, February 2, 2026 at 12:15 pm.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego Street, Ilion, New York 13357.

To leave condolences for Bernice's family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com