Bernita Fedewa

Bernita Mary Fedewa, of Pewamo, passed away on Tuesday, June 15, 2010. She is with her Lord. Bernita was born on a farm southeast of Pewamo in Clinton County on July 20, 1917. Daughter of Oscar M. and Dorthea "Dora" (Wohlshied) Cook and oldest of thirteen children. Bernita graduated from Pewamo High School in 1935, Clinton County Normal School of St. Johns in 1936 and Central Michigan University. She taught at the local rural schools for four years and later at St. John the Baptist school in Hubbardston from 1956 to 1963 and at Most Holy Trinity school in Fowler from 1963 to 1982. In retirement she taught piano lessons in her home for more than 25 years. In her spare time, Bernita enjoyed playing piano, bird watching, gardening and spiritual reading. She was a life member of St. Joseph Parish in Pewamo, choir member, director, and a member of the Altar Society. Bernita also belonged to the Mid-Michigan Audubon Society, serving as its president for a number of years.

Bernita married Walter J. Fedewa, a Pewamo area farmer, on October 22, 1949 and he preceded her in death on August 18, 1988.

Bernita is survived by her sons, John and Gerard, daughter-in-law, Liduina and grandson Orry, all of Pewamo. Her sisters, Dorothy Golata of Lansing, Ella Thelen of Williamston, Marcia Cook of Ionia, and Jenny (Robert) Weber of Cincinnati, Ohio. Her brothers, James (Jean) Cook of Lansing, Donald (Barbara) Cook of Lansing, Roy (Dolores) Cook of Fenwick, and Leon (Jeanne) Cook of Lansing. Bernita was also the proud aunt of forty nine nieces and nephews.

Bernita was preceded in death by her parents, step-mother, Bernita Schrauben Cook, son, Donald J. Fedewa, daughter-in-law, Lesley Daman Fedewa, Lesley's parents, Fred and the late Marguerite Daman, David Cook, her brother, sisters, Angela Coonrod, Isabelle Wilson, and Cay De Young, brothers-in-law, Joseph Coonrod, Donald Wilson, Jake De Young, Alvin Thelen, and John Golata.

A Funeral Mass for Bernita will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Pewamo, Friday, June 18, 2010, at 11:00 a.m., with Fr. Charlon Mason officiating, burial at St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church, Wednesday, and Thursday, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. with rosaries Wednesday, 3 p.m., and 8 p.m., Thursday at 3 p.m., and a Vigil Service on Thursday at 8 p.m. Besides masses, the family suggest memorials be made to St. Joseph School Trust Fund Pewamo.

To learn more about Bernita and view her Life Story film, visit her personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/59725 . Arrangements and services provided by Osgood Funeral Home, St. Johns.