Bernice Sempier

Bernice C. Sempier, 75, of Spartanburg, died Saturday, November 7, 2009, at her home. A native of Newark, NJ, she was the daughter of the late Carl and Yole Barbato. As a young woman, Bernice was active in Girl Scouting and was a swimming instructor at Camp Pinelock in Blairstown, NJ. After obtaining a degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, she was employed as a buyer for Hayne & Company in Newark, and later at Macy's in Rockaway, NJ. She moved to Spartanburg following her retirement in 1995. Bernice was a soprano soloist at Petty Memorial Baptist Church in Newark and became a member of the choir at First Presbyterian Church of Spartanburg after moving to this area and joining the Church. She was a Mobile Meals volunteer and an avid gardener. She enjoyed kayaking and walking with her dogs. Survivors include her children, William Carl Sempier (Dawn) of Parsippany, NJ, and Dr. Bonnie Jean Sempier of Mount Pleasant, SC; her grandchildren, Joshua Sempier and Zachary Sempier; and by her brother, Carl F. Barbato, Jr. of Virginia Beach, VA. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 14, 2009, in the Chapel of the First Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends in the Church Parlor following the service. Memorials may be made to Mobile Meals Service, P. O. Box 461, Spartanburg, SC 29304. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Bernice C. Sempier please visit our Sympathy Store.