Bernice Mesisca (nee Lafferty) of Stratford passed away March 19, 2013 surrounded by her loving and devoted family. She showed great courage and was a fighter to the end. Bernice was born and raised inSouth Philadelphia. She graduatedSouthPhiladelphiaHigh Schooland received a full nursing scholarship. Bernice worked for the Philadelphia Department of Veterans Affairs where she met the love of her life, her husband Phil. After devoting herself to her family and raising her children, Bernice returned to work in the medical field. In addition to her passion for her family, her greatest loves were the beach, where she celebrated many of her birthdays and vacations, traveling (especially toIreland), Mummers String Bands, Philadelphia Eagles, crocheting, sweets and anything Irish. Bernice is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Philip John Mesisca. She was an amazing mother to Jim and wife Maureen, Philip Jr and wife Michele, John and wife Mary, Rosemary and husband Jim. Cherished Grandmother of Heather, Matthew, Michael, Alex, Jenna, Kelly, Kaitlyn, Julia, Patrick and Jack. Cherished and loved by all who knew her. Predeceased by her parents, John and Sarah (nee McGuire) Lafferty, and her brother, John. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing with the family on Saturday, March 23, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am at Saint Luke Roman Catholic Church, Warwick Road, Stratford, NJ, followed by a funeral mass at 10:30 am. Burial will follow at Saint JosephCemetery, Lower Landing Rd, Blackwood, NJ. Memorial donations: Summer Search Philadelphia, Attn: Amanda Finnell, 1528 Walnut Street, Suite 1006, Philadelphia, PA19102Funeral under the direction of Danks - Hinski Funeral Home of Lindenwold NJ. Condolences may be offered at www.dankshinskifuneralhome.com