Bernice H Osteen

DECEMBER 13, 1925 – SEPTEMBER 20, 2023

Bernice Hudson O’Steen of Jacksonville, Florida passed away peacefully early morning Wednesday, September 20th at the age of 97. Born December 13, 1925 in Palentine, New York, to Ida and Ray Husdon. Growing up as the youngest sibling to brothers, Bob, Stanton, and Raymond JR in Ft. Plain, New York.

After high school she headed to NYC to complete Telegraphy school. She then accepted a job as a Telegrapher with Western Union, where she ultimately retired after 40 years with the company. As a young lady working at a Western Union counter in New York, minding her business (like most great love stories go), Bernice assisted a young Sailor awaiting deployment by sending a telegraph home to Florida. After a little persistence the young man finally convinced Bernice to show him a good neighborhood Chinese restaurant. Little did she know, this innocent lunch date would begin the great love of her life. Bernie Hudson and Maurice Homer O’Steen, married on April 11, 1946 and spent 69 years together as husband and wife, before his death in 2015. Maurice and Bernice raised three children, and upon their retirement the sweet couple happily committed their golden years to adopting their 9 month and 3 year old Granddaughters, whom they raised as their own. The girls kept the O’Steen couple young at heart, the family spent many summers traveling the country together in their motorhome. With no adventure too grand, the family even journeyed together from the very Southern-Most Point, in Key West, Florida to Fairbanks, Alaska. This trip was one of their fondest memories.

An avid reader, puzzle master, Jeopardy & Wheel of Fortune fan, Bernice’s wit and humor always remained sharp. Her stories on life and experiences - will be forever cherished by her family and friends. Gram even held a special place in the hearts of her granddaughter’s dear friends, who like extended family will always remember gatherings celebrating Gram, like her 97th Birthday Dinner Party, themed ‘Party like it’s 1925’. A lover of nature’s beauty, Bernice enjoyed spending time with her plants, and birds – showcasing her award-winning Budgie’s with daughter Maureen and friends with the US Budgie Club.

Preceded in death by her Husband, Maurice Osteen, Son, Craig Osteen, Son-In-Law Jack (Maureen) Broderick.

Survived by Daughter, Maureen (Jack) Broderick, Son Barry (Sandy) O’Steen, Granddaughters Beverly Ann, Angelina May O’Steen, and Best Friend, and furbaby Louie.

After a lifetime of hard work and selfless giving and caring for her children, and grandchildren, Bernice’s granddaughter, Beverly was able to return the love and support given by Bernice by committing her heart and home and providing her with the extra care and compassion necessary to live comfortably with family the last year of Bernice’s beautiful life. This time with her Best Friend will be forever cherished by Beverly, her commitment and sacrifices which gave Bernice the comfort to stay at home with family, will always be appreciated by the family.

Family and friends are invited to attend Burial Services at Jacksonville National Cemetery on October 19th, 2023 at 11AM. Please arrive by 10:30am.

Celebration of Life, Saturday, October 21st aboard Majesty Deep Sea, departing at 5PM. Limited space, please RSVP with family to attend.