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Bernice Rooney, 101

April 02, 2020

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Bernice Cyrella Rooney, RN, 101, of North Adams, Mass., died on Thursday, April 2, 2020, at Williamstown Commons with complications from COVID-19.



She was born in North Adams, Mass., on April 28, 1918, a daughter of the late Owen P. and Catherine T. (Weis) Rooney. She attended schools in Williamstown, graduating from the former Williamstown high School with the Class of 1936. She attended the Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1939, and worked at the hospital for one year.



Ms. Rooney worked at the Albany Hospital for 14 years as staff nurse and assistant supervisor of Obstetrics. She returned to Williamstown in 1954 and became a staff nurse, assistant supervisor and then supervisor of obstetrics at North Adams Regional Hospital. She taught the McCann School students obstetrical nursing. She assisted in the formation of the labor and delivery room records and helped to organize the first birthing room. She retired from NARH in 1983.



Ms. Rooney was a member of the Region 1 Prenatal Advisory Committee, the Region 1 Education Committee, the Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing Alumni, the Diploma Nurse Association of Massachusetts and a charter member of the Nurses Association of the American College of Obstreticians. She was a leader in the National Committee to preserve Social Security and Medicare and a member of its Leadership Circle. She was a devoted member of St. Patrick’s Church in Williamstown and at one time an officer in the Guild. She was a member of the Friendship Club.



She enjoyed playing the piano and banjo, arts and crafts and studying Russian and Chinese cultures. She was the last of her immediate family.



Survivors include many cousins, including Elizabeth Senay and her husband Armand and children Christopher and Stephen, Mary Ellen Stensel, Ruth Stensel, Barbara (Rooney) Paquette, Michael Rooney, Susan M. Rooney and Janet E. Rooney.



Funeral notice: Private graveside services for Bernice Rooney will take place Wednesday at the family plot in Eastlawn Cemetery. Memorial Donations are suggested for St. Patrick Church, Williamstown, MA. The Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home, 521 West Main St. North Adams, MA, are in care of arrangements.




Recollections & Sympathy For the Family
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A wonderfully kind and thoughtful soul, who always remembered the children of Sts. Patrick's and Raphael Parish. Rest in peace, Bernice.
from: on: 04-08-2020

I grew up knowing Bernice Rooney. She was always so kind. When I mentioned to her that I was learning to play the banjo - she told me that she had a banjo and that we should bet together and play. I don't know what ever happened to her banjo. She was still working at the NARH when my oldest son was born and made sure to stop in and talk with my wife. Glad to have known her!
from: Robert Y. Burnson: 04-07-2020

Worked with her as a nurse...the best!!!!
from: mary ellen morrisseyon: 04-07-2020

A very sweet lady.
from: Sandra Kon: 04-07-2020

Miss Rooney attended the birth of my son over fifty years ago. She was the first to hold him in a soft blanket and I thanked her many times for her care which was memorable. She continued to have dedication to the sacredness of life which was fundamental to her profession .
from: Martha Daileyon: 04-06-2020

Bernice held my hand 51 years ago when I had my first child at North Adams Regional Hospital. She was a lovely and caring person and I have never forgotten her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family members.
from: Shirley Fachinion: 04-05-2020

I vividly remember Miss Rooney when I gave birth at NARH. She was an awesome nurse and such a nice and caring person.
May she RIP.......💔😥❤️
from: Ellen Damion: 04-05-2020

I vividly remember Miss Rooney when I gave birth at NARH. She was an awesome nurse and such a nice and caring person.
May she RIP.......💔😥❤️
from: Ellen Damion: 04-05-2020

She was a stellar nurse and a wonderful teacher.
Condolences to all.
from: Sandra Sorelon: 04-04-2020

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