Bernice Irene Sperino, age 98, of Swansea, IL, formerly of Collinsville, IL, passed away on Monday, January 22, 2024 at Mercy Rehabilitation & Care Center in Swansea, IL with her family by her side.

She was born on March 13, 1925 in Collinsville, IL to the late Kenneth and Henrietta Elmore (nee Froehrich) Elmore. She married Floyd J. Sperino on June 5, 1949 and he preceded her in death on May 7, 2011.

Bernice graduated from Collinsville High School and went on to be a secretary at Shell Oil in Woodriver, IL.  She then worked in Collinsville as the secretary for St. John Evangelical Church for many years. Eventually Bernice joined her husband, Floyd, as a co-owner/operator of their floral business, Floyd's Flowers and Gifts, in Collinsville. Together they operated their shop for 25 years.  Bernice and Floyd shared a great love of music and performance. They played in the high school marching band, were lifetime members of the St. John choir, participated in plays there, and sang throughout the community.  One of their great accomplishments was singing with partners and great friends Pat and Don Walker in a group they formed called the Quartet. Sometimes they also performed together in church skits and plays, which brought them all great joy. The Quartet was especially excited to have performed on the Charlotte Peters TV Show in St. Louis. Bernice retired from the church choir in December of 2021 after 83 years. Another great passion of Bernice and Floyd was volunteering at the Collinsville Historical Museum where they were instrumental in continuing the work there through research and acquisitions along with building the new museum.

One of Bernice's sincerest beliefs was to lead a Christian life and instill the love of God in the family she raised. She was always looked upon as a person who could reach out to others and be a good listener. Many admired that she took the time to support their beliefs and goals. Often she built friendships with young people, especially with those who were her caregivers. Bernice seldom accepted things at face value. She had a keen desire to question life around her to keep learning. Her desire to always know that she served a purpose in life carried her through many years and helped her conquer her illnesses and press forward.

In addition to her parents and husband, Bernice was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, John Trnka, and son-in-law, Thomas Milward.

Surviving are her two daughters: Pamela (Bruce) Elser of Swansea, IL and Shari Milward of Maryland Heights, MO; four grandchildren: Andrew (Brittany) Elser, Nicholas Elser, Eric (Amber) Thomas, and Lori (Braxton) Thomas-Kociemba; six great-grandchildren: Tyson, Abraham, Ace, Ada, Eli, and Avery; a sister, Shirley Trnka of Newburgh IN; a niece, Debbie (Brent) Cochran of Newburgh, IN; and a nephew, John (Nancy) Trnka of Norman, OK; and several great nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank all the doctors, staff and caregivers at Belleville Memorial Hospital and the Colonnades of O'Fallon for their excellent care of Bernice and concern for her family.  A special thanks goes to her dear friend, Glenda Pembrook, for her loyal and loving care.

Visitation will be 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at St. John United Church of Christ in Collinsville.

Funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. with Rev. Katie Jo Bielke & Rev. Jenn Glover officiating.  Burial will be in St. John Cemetery, Collinsville.

Memorials are suggested to St. John United Church of Christ or the Collinsville Historical Museum and will be received at the visitation or can be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center St., Maryville, IL  62062.