Bernice Ann Affrunti, age 82, of Sheridan, Illinois, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2026.

Bernice was an amazing, beautiful, funny, welcoming, and adventurous woman whose presence could light up any room. She had a gift for making everyone around her feel loved, welcomed, and at home. Her favorite philosophy in life was simple: life is always about having fun - and she lived every day with that spirit.

Bernice was deeply devoted to her family and friends. Her family was her whole world, and she was theirs. She treasured every moment spent with the people she loved and was happiest when her home was filled with family, friends, food, laughter, and memories. She especially loved hosting holidays and parties, creating the kind of gatherings that people looked forward to and remembered long after they were over.

Bernice was also a proud business owner who built a business that was loved by so many. She never truly retired. She was always doing something, always creating, always staying busy, and always finding a way to bring her energy and enthusiasm to whatever was next.

She had a wonderfully creative spirit. Bernice loved to sing, even when she didn't know all the words-which never stopped her from singing them anyway. Sometimes she would simply make up her own songs, making everyone around her laugh. She also loved to paint, especially when creating something special for the people she loved. Her paintings, like so many of the things she did, were made with love and became treasured reminders of her. Bernice had a way of filling ordinary moments with joy. Wherever she was, there were smiles and laughter. She made people feel comfortable, included, and loved. Her adventurous spirit, humor, generosity, and beautiful heart will remain in the memories of everyone fortunate enough to have known her.

Bernice is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Philip Affrunti; her children, Thomas Majka, Philip Affrunti, Joseph (Mary) Affrunti, and Michael Affrunti; and her grandchildren, Christopher Majka, Curtis (Allison) Majka, Talia (Spencer) Affrunti, Maleya Affrunti, Drew Klatt, Leah Klatt, and Rocco Affrunti; her great grandchildren, Elio Dierking-Majka, Aruna Dierking-Majka and an unnamed baby on the way; her pets, Bella and Kitty.

She is preceded in death by her parents; Tadeusz Felinski and Anastasia Targon; her brother, Charles Felinski; and her beloved dogs, Andrew, Josie and Luckee.

She leaves behind a lifetime of laughter, love, creativity, adventure, and unforgettable memories. Her family and friends will carry her spirit with them-in every holiday gathering, every song sung a little off-key, every laugh shared, and every moment when life is simply meant to be enjoyed.

Bernice will be incredibly missed, but the joy she brought into this world will live on in everyone who loved her.

"Life is always about having fun."

A memorial gathering for Bernice will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026 from 10:00 A.M. until time of service 12:30 P.M. at Gabel-Dunn Funeral Home 333 W. Church Street Sheridan, Illinois 60551. A Celebration of life will continue at the Sheridan Elevator 215 N. Robinson Street Sheridan, IL 60551. For information, 815/496-2003 or visit her memorial page at www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com