Bernice J. Cali, 81, of Freeport passed away on Friday, March 30, 2012, after a short illness.

She was born on June 21, 1930, in Freeport, to Clarence and Binnie (Williams) Holbert Sr. Bernice attended Freeport Schools and was a retiree of Honeywell after working there for many years.

She married Tony Cali on March 4, 1950, in Woodstock, Ill. They spent 62 wonderful years together, enjoying each other’s company every day. He preceded her in death on Feb. 7, 2012. Bernice’s Christian faith was most important to her, as well as her family and her three precious cats.

She is survived by her daughters, Nancy Cali and Patricia Nilles; son, Gene William (Cynthia) Carroll; 12 grandchildren, Michael (Heidi) Stingley, Dan (Katie) Carroll, Julie Carroll, Troy (Kathleen) Pierce, Ashlie Copoulos, Melissa Schnepper, Kim Bender, Sherri (Mike) Daniel, Toni (Billy) Bollon, Stacey (Tim) Wagenknecht, Browen Meyers, and Colin Meyers; son-in-law, Billy Meyers; 14 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; brother, Clarence (Zoe) Holbert Jr.; and sisters, Matilda (Henry) Klosa and Norma Ernst.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Tony Cali; daughter, Linda Meyers; sister, Marion Richart; brother, James Holbert; and her parents.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 3, at the First Baptist Church, 413 W. Empire St. in Freeport, with Pastor Caleb Kolstad officiating. Entombment will follow at Oakland Mausoleum.

Visitation will be after 9:30 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday at the Church.

Arrangements are being handled by the Schwarz Funeral Home. Private condolences and online guestbook may be signed at www.schwarzfh.com