Obituary of Bernice E. Buchnowski

Obituary This obituary was penned by her family. Bernice (Bobbie) had an exceptionally wonderful life! Born and raised in Western NY to Edith Shea and William O’Brien. Her parents were small business entrepreneurs and taught her that hard work and being grounded is what it takes to be successful in life.Her loving sisters were Maureen Shea (deceased)....and Lucille Dziomba (who passed in 2019) wife of Stan Dziomba.Bernice married Frank Buchnowski (deceased) in 1953 and together had seven children. They eventually divorced. She is survived by her children Randy (Luanne), Donald, Martin (Mari Carmen), Frank, Garrett, Kimberly Stark (Dave) and Barbara(Linda Grimmer); 9 grandchildren; and numerous great grandchildren. In the late 60’s Bobbie met her soul mate, Jim Egan. Jim described his meeting Bobbie as “love at first sight” and it must have been, because they spent the next 50 years living life to the fullest. Sadly, Jim passed away last July. One of Bobbie’s passions was the love of horses and harness racing and made a point of involving the whole family. As kids, we thought this was super cool. Mom would bring us to the “track” where we watched the training and racing of several of her horses. In 1970, Bobbie earned the credential of Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner, and worked forty years in a field she loved. She combined her enthusiasm for travel with her work. For 10 years she and Jim traveled around the country, living and working in over 21 hospitals in San Antonio, New Orleans, Phoenix and San Diego to name a few places. It is not a coincidence, that as a respiratory therapist, Bernice was keenly aware of the power of “Breath”. This awareness of breath would lead her to the next chapter of her life, and her most passionate. The discovery of Yoga. Bernice was a fierce student of the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, and the Self-Realization Fellowship. It was the discovery of his teachings that led her, at the age of 55, to become a certified yoga instructor. Bernice became a devout “yogi” and dedicated her life to perfecting her skill. She was a lifelong learner, attending yoga classes, and wellness seminars whenever she could. For many years she held yoga and meditation classes in her home studio, “Yoga by Bobbie”. Here is what one student said: “Bobbie taught me a different way of life, and how important yoga, exercise, and self-esteem are to oneself. I will always hold on to that and carry her words of wisdom forever.” As a young family, we spent many summer days at Sunset Beach, while Bobbie, an avid sun-worshiper, enjoyed sunbathing. When it was time to semi-retire Bobbie and Jim chose to do so in one of their favorite spots, Sunset Bay. They built their dream home there in the mid-90's. Bobbie, Jim, and the family embarked on a three-year labor of love, building their home with a lot of family sweat equity. To celebrate completing and moving into their new home, Bobbie and Jim hosted their first of many Pig Roasts. This started a tradition that went on for 10 years. It was a blast!!! Family, friends, and neighbors would set up tents for a weekend of fun. There was the all-day roasting of the pig, clams, food & drink for all, along with fun activities like scavenger hunts, and a lively charity auction. We will always cherish those memories. Please wish Bobbie a final “Namaste”. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Yogananda’s Self-Realization Fellowship; https://yogananda.org/donate; or to help during this Covid-19 pandemic, send a donation to your local food bank to assist those in need."Let my soul smile through my heart and my heart smile through my eyes, that I may scatter rich smiles in sad hearts". Yogananda. A Memorial Service will be held for Bernice at a future time to be determined, due to the current Covid-19 situation. Arrangements are under the care and direction of:Hole-Parker Funeral Chapel, Inc.160 Central Ave. Silver Creek, NY 14136 Tel: 1-716-934-2000 To send flowers to Bernice's family, please visit our floral store.