MACHIAS - Bernice U. Rogers, 94, died Saturday (April 5, 2014), at her residence. Bernice was born on Jan. 7, 1920, in McKean Township, Erie County, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of William Christian and Laura Mathilda (Veit) Smith.Bernice grew up on a farm, attended a rural school for the first eight years and graduated from McKean Joint High School in Pennsylvania. Continuing her education, she received a bachelor's degree in education from Edinboro University, Edinboro, Pa., did additional coursework at State University College at Buffalo, and received a master's degree from St. Bonvenature University.Bernice's teaching career included three years in Pennsylvania and 28 years at Pioneer Central School in Cattaraugus County. She was a founding member of the honorary education sorority Delta Kappa Gamma, Beta Mu Chapter, serving as president in 1986 and 1987. She joined the Order of the Eastern Star (her husband, Vernon, was a Mason), served as Matron twice and was appointed Grand Ruth in 1988 and 1989. Bernice was an active member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Millcreek, Pa., before joining the United Methodist Church in Machias, where she taught Sunday School and served as trustee for several years. An avid sports fan, Bernice enjoyed bowling and playing golf. Most recently, she enjoyed watching games played by the Buffalo Bills, the Buffalo Sabres and the New York Yankees. After retiring from teaching, she traveled extensively throughout the 50 states and toured many countries on all continents except Antarctica. Her passion for reading led her to volunteer for several years at the Public Library in Machias.Her survivors include four daughters, Linda (Carle) Crawford of Bloomington, Ind., Rebecca (Gary) Hepfner of Bellevue, Neb., Cynthia Knight of Arcade, and Maureen (John) Ronan of Marilla; 11 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon R. Rogers; brothers, George Smith, Earl Smith, Emil Smith; and sisters, Gladys Rose, Wilma Smith; and twin sister, Doris Ogsbury.Friends may gather with the family from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Babbitt & Easton Funeral Home, 7 N. Main St., Franklinville, where her service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday (April 12, 2014). Officiating will be Rev. Nancy Preston pastor of the Machias United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery in Machias.Memorials may be made to the Machias United Methodist Church P.O. Box 303, Machias NY 14101. Online condolence can be set to www.babbitteastonfh.com