Bernice Pauline (Snyder) Nirode passed away March 4, 2017 at UTMC in Toledo, surrounded by her loving family. Born April 25, 1927 at home in Benton in Holmes Co. She was the beloved only child of Oscar and Harriet (Hattle Spencer) Snyder. Her early years were spent growing up in Benton on the family farm. Her grade school attendance was at Benton Elementary School where she graduated 8th grade as Valedictorian of the 8 township schools. A 1945 graduate of Berlin High School, she was co-Valedictorian and attended Goshen College in 1945-1946. Because of the shortage of teachers at that time, Bernice was hired to teach 3rd and 4th grades in Mt. Eaton at Paint Township Local Schools. Her plans to further her education were changed when she was offered a position at the Mt. Hope Lumber Co. and worked there until September 1950. On September 3, 1950 she married Dale W. Nirode of Funk, who preceded her in death on October 13, 2009 ending a marriage of 59 years. While her husband attended the College of Wooster, she was employed by the college as cashier in the treasurer's office. When her husband transferred to The Ohio State University for optometry, she worked on campus as a secretary in the Deans office in the college of dentistry and later as a secretary to Dr. Clifford Angers, professor of physiology in the college of medicine. During her work with Dr. Angers, research was conducted on feeding a high fat diet to rats and rabbits. This was a preliminary to early recognition of plaque in arteries and veins- a forerunner to the recognition of cholesterol. After Dale's graduation from OSU in 1955 the Nirodes moved to Warren, where Dale worked in the practice of Dr. Maxwell Jacobs who took a year sabbatical in France. Bernice assisted Dale with the office management until April, when their first son David was born. Upon the return of Dr. Jacobs, the Nirodes located in Mansfield where Bernice was active in the Jay Cees wives and Welcome Wagon club. 1958 found the Nirodes moving to New London to start an optometric practice. Bernice has always said the first day they came to look the town over, seven people either said hello or good morning as she and David walked the town. She was ready to move that day. During the span of the next 7 years Bernice enjoyed the role of mother to her children and office assistant for Dale's Growing practice In 1972 she accepted a part-time job in the Huron county juvenile court as probation officer for girls under Judge Thomas Heydinger. For the next 10 years she served as the Executive Director of the Huron County unit of the American Cancer Society. In 1991 she returned to Dale's office as optical assistant and worked together until Dale's retirement in 2001. Bernice was a member of the United Methodist Church of New London since 1958 and served as a Sunday school teacher, member of the choir and was helpful in working with rummage sales and various activities of the church While her children attended school in New London, Bernice served in the PTA, Music Parents and was a staunch supporter of any activities her children participated in. Her greatest pride was shared with her husband in that 2 only children were privileged to be parents of 2 girls and 2 boys! She always wanted it known that she enjoyed being a mom. Her survivors include son David and his wife Susan, of Greely CO, Daugher Lisa, of Perrysburg, Son Gordon, of Pickerington and Daughter Nancy and husband Larry, of Pataskala; 5 grandchildren, Dale, David, and Andy Nirode, Catrina "Catie" Jackson, and Griffin Shepard. Also surviving 3 great grandchildren Zackery Nirode, James and Rylynd Denoon. She was preceded in death by her parents Oscar and Harriet Snyder, her stepfather Joseph as well as her husband Dale and great grandson Hugh Denoon. Friends may call Tuesday, March 7, 2017 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Eastman Funeral Home, 200 West Main Street, New London. A celebration of life will be held at the New London United Methodist Church, Wednesday March 8 at 11 am with visitation 1 hour prior. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery in Wayne Co. later that afternoon. Donations in her memory may be given to the New London United Methodist Church in New London or to the New London Public Library. Condolences may be shared online at www.eastmanfuneralhome.com.

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