May 25, 1935 - May 25, 2020, In Memoriam 
With Love, David and Gordon, Sara and Polly, and 11 adoring Grandchildren

Bernice Stein, formerly Bernice Schnell, of Livingston, NJ, died on May 25, 2020 (her birthday) at the age of 85, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was born Bernice Braverman in Newark, NJ, daughter of Dora and Ben Braverman, and brother of Jules Braverman (all pre-deceased). Bernice was raised in Hillside, NJ and attended Hillside High School, Rutgers College (Phi Beta Kappa), and Rutgers Law School where she earned her JD degree. A child of Russian immigrants, Bernice cherished her parents, brother and her extended family, and she enjoyed many long summers and holidays in Philadelphia, PA with her aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Bernice married Richard Marvin Schnell in 1957, the love of her life, with whom she had two loving sons, David and Gordon. Bernice taught English at Bloomfield High School and Seton Hall University. She was a very popular teacher and beloved by her students. She also volunteered as an English teacher at Robert Treat High School in Newark, NJ where her passion for providing equal opportunity and civil rights motivated her to serve under-privileged students. In 1960, Bernice and Richard moved from an apartment in Bloomfield, NJ into a beautiful home in Livingston, NJ surrounded by friends and close family. They enjoyed a wonderful life together, raising their sons, socializing widely, traveling, and playing tennis and bridge. Bernice recognized the importance of higher education and encouraged this pursuit in her children. She enjoyed great literature, theater and performing arts with friends and family. 

Richard was the President of Century Carpet Co, a successful commercial carpet company based in NYC, founded by his father Charles Schnell. Unfortunately, Richard died of cancer in 1971 at the young age of 40, survived by Bernice and their children; as well as his mother Hannah (née Smelowitz/Samuels), father Charles Schnell, sister Georgene Harmelin (née Schnell) (all now deceased). Bernice successfully negotiated the sale of Century Carpet Co. on behalf of her family and her mother-in-law Hannah. Bernice then returned to enter Rutgers Law School, a bold move in an era when it was not common for a woman to start a new professional career while supporting two young children as a single mother. Bernice would explain that she returned to school to provide her children and herself the resources and educational opportunities that she so valued for them. In 1974, she graduated from Law School, and she found love again, marrying the Honorable Kenneth R. Stein who died in 2018. Bernice and Ken resided in Livingston, NJ and Roseland, NJ for many years, and they lived a long and happy life together. As a lawyer, Bernice worked first for the prominent NJ law firm Riker Danzig Scherer Debevoise, and then for Beneficial Corporation where she received numerous awards for excellence in her work until she retired in 1989.

In addition to her teaching and legal careers, Bernice was a competitive bridge player, avid theatre goer, book club enthusiast, world traveler, advanced puzzler, accomplished knitter, unabashed chocoholic, generous supporter of the arts, museums, veteran organizations, and various health charities, a fierce defender of human rights and a strong supporter of the underdog and underserved. She had a very large circle of friends from her early school days through her married life, and from many shared activities, interests and passions over the years. She treasured her friendships forged decades ago, yet she was always eager to make new friends as well. Bernice also committed much of her last twenty years to loving, cheering and supporting her children and grandchildren, the greatest loves of her life. Sharp as a tack right up until her illness, Bernice was quick witted, warm hearted, and trustworthy. As a devoted mother, grandmother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt and loyal friend, she was always available when a loved one needed support or advice. Her brilliance, intuition and personal touch allowed her to navigate challenges with grace and authenticity. While she was diminutive of stature, she was as strong as they come. Her smile and sparkle lit up a room, and she always arrived impeccably dressed bringing a personal sense of fashion that was both bright and intimate. Yet, there was nothing that made her happier than to find the latest discounted designer item in a petite size. Whether on forays to the theater, out to the deli, or visiting local merchants, she was always fashionable. With her warmth and sense of humor, she received compliments daily on her style and grace. Her beloved local salon stylist of many years remarked that unbeknownst to Bernice, “we all said at the salon admiringly that when we grow up, we all want to be Bernice”. Bernice passes from us after a life well-lived and as an inspiration to so many. 

In addition to her sons David and Gordon Schnell, Bernice is survived by their wives Sara and Polly, four grandchildren with Richard Schnell (Wynter, Rayn, Quoya and Ryan); and through Ken Stein, three stepchildren Linda Stein-Truesdale, Debbie Stein Salinger, Richard (and Kristina) Stein and seven grandchildren (Sara, Evan, Rachel, Allison, Jamie, Matthew and Carolyn). She will be forever cherished by her family, friends and all who knew her. Bernice lived a wonderful, happy and fulfilled 85 years, and we are so fortunate to have loved her deeply. We will miss her dearly and may her memory be a blessing. 

A memorial service will take place in New Jersey later this summer. In lieu of flowers, if you are so inclined, contributions in honor of Bernice’s memory can be made to Rutgers College of Arts and Sciences Scholarship Fund or to any charity of your choice.

Please feel free to leave a note or share a story (vignettes, anecdotes, and tales are all welcome) of Bernice in the Tribute section below.