Bernice K. Edelstein

BROWNSVILLE, TX. – Bernice K. Edelstein, 92, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, the 22nd of January 2022.

Born to Bertha and Joe Kalmans, Bernice grew up in Houston, Texas. After graduating from San Jacinto High School, Bernice attended the University of Colorado where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. Upon graduating, Bernice returned to Houston where she taught first grade. Attending an alumni sorority gathering while there, she met Marion Edelstein Cohn who would later introduce her to her brother Ruben. Bernice and Ruben were married in 1956 and made their new home in Brownsville.

Over the years Bernice was active in the community. She was a member and served on boards including the Brownsville Junior Service League, the Brownsville Society for Crippled Children, the Camille Playhouse and the Gladys Porter Zoo. Later in her life Bernice returned to education, volunteering with the BISD tutoring elementary school students with their reading skills. Bernice was also an active member of Temple Beth-El where she taught Sunday school and was a member of the Sisterhood for many years. She was also a member of Hadassah, an international Jewish women's organization, and served on their local, regional and national boards.

Preceding Bernice in death was her husband Ruben; her parents, Bertha and Joe Kalmans; stepmother, Rose Lewis Kalmans; stepsister and brother-in-law, Irene and Phillip Heintz; and brother, Bennett Kalmans.

Survivors include her daughters, Julie and her husband Bill Best, Beth and her husband Mike Sullivan; grandchildren Brad Sullivan and wife Carla, Byron Sullivan and wife Jennifer, and Claire Sullivan; and great-granddaughter, Zoe. Bernice is also survived by her brother, Melvin Kalmans and his wife Rosalind; sister, Susan Simon and her husband Sam; sister-in-laws, Doris Kalmans and Karen Heintz; stepbrother, Bob Lewis; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to give a special thanks to her caring and loyal caregivers Sandra, Juanita, Maria, Gaby, and Safe Haven Hospice.

Graveside services will be held at ten o' clock in the morning on Tuesday, the 25th of January 2022 at the Hebrew Cemetery, located at the corner of 2nd and E. Madison Streets in Brownsville.

Donations may be made to Temple Beth-El, 24 Cove Way Street, Brownsville, Texas 78521; The Moody Clinic 1901 E. 22nd Street, Brownsville, Texas 78521; Hadassah, www.hadassah.org; or to the charity of your choice.

Memories of Bernice may be shared at www.darlingmouser.com.

Personalized funeral arrangements directed by Steven R. Hieu Bailey and Staff have been entrusted to the care of Darling-Mouser Funeral Home at 945 Palm Boulevard in Brownsville, Texas 78520, (956) 546-7111.