Bernice S. Lapan

Bernice S. Lapan, formerly of Westborough, MA, passed away on March 23, 2020. She was predeceased by her husband of 72 years, Arthur “Red” Lapan. The couple was introduced by friends and went on a blind date on a Monday. Every Monday after, Red gave Bernice a box of chocolates. They were married a year later.

Bernice was born in Grafton, MA to Elson and Mildred Wheeler, née Lewis. She graduated from Worcester Girls Trade School after studying design, clothing construction, pattern making, and sewing. She always loved designing, sewing, and knitting afghans and clothing for her children and grandchildren.

Bernice worked at R.G. Shakour Inc. when her children were small and later spent more than 20 years and Data General as a circuit board inspection supervisor. She was also a founding member of the Upton Bloomer Girls, a women’s charity organization that offered resources and helping hands to residents who needed additional support. In her spare time, Bernice loved traveling with her husband and organizing family functions. She was always known as the person who never forgot to send a birthday card to all her family and friends.

Bernice is predeceased by her sister Annemarie Wheeler Prest and her brothers Elson E. Wheeler Jr. and Sheridan Paul Wheeler. She leaves behind her son Rick, daughter Pat, daughter-in-law Ann, grandchildren Sunnie and Kyle, and great-granddaughter Lilith, as well as her brother Mace Wheeler, brother-in-law William Lapan, sister-in-law Lucille Whitney and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be private.