Bernice I. West

March 20, 1927 - July 13, 2019

Bernice West, 92, of Livingston, passed away in the early morning hours of July 13, 2019. She was born on March 20, 1927 in Wappingers Falls, the daughter of Manuel and Mabel Fernandez. She worked in various capacities throughout her life. She helped to establish the library at Vassar College, before going to work for a real estate broker and later as a legal secretary. Bernice worked for a good number of years as a activities aide at the former Adventist Home in Livingston. In 1993, Bernice was called by the Lord to become ordained deacon. She started out on her journey with five years of study that took her through churches in both Columbia and Dutchess Counties. She started in Germantown, and served also in Dover Plains, Pleasant Valley, Wingdale, and Elizaville before coming back to Germantown. She also was a member of the Germantown United Methodist Church Choir. Bernice is survived by her five children; Judi Bathrick, Nancy Sommerville, Deborah Boseman, Anthony Leggio, and Michael West. Many grandchildren, and even more great grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers; Manuel and Robert Fernandez. She was predeceased by her two husbands; Vincent James Leggio and Thomas West. Also her son Vincent J. Leggio and her brother Richard Fernandez. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at 3:00pm from the Elizaville United Methodist Church, 740 County Route 2, Elizaville, New York. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Elizaville Food Pantry.