Obituary of Bernice A. VanGorden

Bernice Adell Van Gorden, 98, of Woodhull NY, passed away at the Athens Health and Rehab Center in Athens PA on March 25, 2026. Born April 28, 1927, to Ernest and Florence (Young) Baker in Osceola PA, she was the second of seven children. In her younger years, she worked in a variety of places, and at just 16 years old she began work at Corning Glass during World War 2. After the war, she worked at the Glove Factory in Elkland PA, where she met her future husband, Robert. He had just returned home from the Air Force and lived up the street from the factory. They were married on February 15, 1947, and had many happy years until Robert’s passing on September 10, 1989. After their marriage, Bernice became a homemaker, second mom, and grandmother to many. She will be remembered for being a hard worker and for her cooking, especially her spaghetti. She is survived by one sister, Alvora Beck of Vista CA, children George VanGorden of Addison, NY, Linda (John) Graves of Addison NY, grandchildren Heidi Graves, Jason (Jamie) Graves, Tyler Graves, Ann (Dan) Fuller-Sincock, Melissa Ames, Sheila (James) Palmiter, great grandchildren Mackenzie (Alexis) Fuller-Sincock, Danielle Fuller-Sincock, Courtney (Franklin) Post, Hailey Post, Bailey Palmiter, Marrisa Palmiter, great-great grandchildren Calissa, Holdynn, Lanna, Mirabella, Reagan, Brody, Stetson, Hudson, Haisley, and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Besides her husband and parents, Bernice is predeceased by her brothers George and James Baker, sisters Ann Hall, Wineta Baker, Joyce Davis, and grandson Justin Graves. According to Bernices’ wishes there will be no services. She loved flowers and books. The family asks that you plant a flower or donate to your local library in her memory. Arrangements are with the H.P. Smith & Son Inc., Funeral Home in Woodhull NY.