Bernice M. McDowell, 87, of Hillsboro died March 3, 2012, in Hillsboro.

She was born July 4, 1924, near Durham to Frank and Agnes (Hajek) Steiner. She was a retired USD 410 school cook.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles W. McDowell, in 1987, and one daughter, Loralie Weber, in 2001.

She is survived by two daughters, Tootsie Schmidt of Hillsboro and Shirley Lewis of Wichita; two sisters, Hanky Thomas of Wichita and Alice Fruits of Stockton, Calif.; 10 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Mass was Tuesday at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Tampa, officiated by Father Hein Nguyen. A Rosary preceded the Mass, and there was a private burial. The family received guests Monday at Jost Funeral Home, Hillsboro.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Father Kapaun Building Fund. Condolences may be sent to the family via jost@jostfuneralhome.com.