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IRON MOUNTAIN -- Bernice Ann Popp, 87, of Iron Mountain, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, at her home.
She is survived by her brother, Steve Stanislawczyk of Conemaugh, Pa.; sister Irene Piker of Tempe, Ariz.; sons Bill (Laura) Popp of Clarkston, Mich., and Rick (Sue) Popp of Florence, Wis.; her daughter, Alison Popp (Tom) Meier of Grand Haven, Mich.; her cherished grandchildren who lovingly called her "Baba", Emily (George) Griffin, Willson "Sam" Popp, Joe (Sarah) Popp, Isaiah Popp, Riley Popp, Miranda Popp, Ivy Meier, and Theo Meier; and her super-special great-grandchildren, Marie and Mairin, with two more great-grandchildren soon to be born.
In addition to her parents, Bernice was preceded in death by her siblings, John Stanislawczyk, Joe Stanislawczyk, Mike Stanislawczyk, Kay Wyrwas, and Clara Garcia; as well as her son, Timothy Popp.
Bernice was born on Oct. 14, 1939, in East Taylor Township, Pa., to the late Michael and Ann (Poborski) Stanislawczyk, both Polish immigrants. She grew up in Conemaugh, and graduated from Franklin High School, where she was an excellent student and majorette in the marching band. Immediately thereafter, she began working at Penelec in Johnstown, Pa.
Bernice married William Popp and the two found the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in 1960, first living in married housing at Northern Michigan University and then moving to L'Anse, where she was blessed with four children. And in 1976, Bernice and family settled in what became her beloved home of Iron Mountain, and there she remained for the rest of her life.
Bernice was an active member of Immaculate Conception Church in Iron Mountain for over 50 years, including 25 years beautifying the church as a part of the gifted and wonderful Decorating Committee, also making crafts as a part of the Martha Circle, and working in the community through the Lady's Outreach. She loved her church and all the people at Immaculate Conception.
From raising her children through the '60s and '70s, Bernice went back to professional work in 1983 and worked at MJ Electric in Iron Mountain until the age of 78, in mostly clerical and switchboard roles. She was ready willing and able to do whatever she was called to do. When encouraged to retire at an earlier age by her family, she would simply say, "I can't retire, the guys need me." She truly appreciated all the good people at MJ Electric, and they certainly appreciated her and her homemade cookies.
And she loved taking care of her home on the North Side of Iron Mountain. She was constantly planting, painting, moving, updating, rearranging, and somehow improving her cute home, most of the time doing the projects herself, or "encouraging" her children to join the project when they stopped by to say hello. And that's what she did, she made a welcoming home for family, friends, and everybody who stopped by.
She was a tremendous cook and exuded hospitality anytime somebody visited. Her famous chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin cookies, which magically appeared just when somebody needed them, and the annual Christmas feast with homemade pierogi, kielbasa, and all the sides are only a taste of the joy she brought others through meals and loving service. And over the years, she knitted and crocheted enough blankets and washcloths to cover Dickinson County.
Bernice wasn't one to shy away from competition either. She was the Mountaineers' number-one fan, cheering on her kids in football, basketball, baseball, track, and tennis. As her grandchildren took the fields and courts, there was nobody cheering louder than their Baba. More recently, she brought that competitive spirit online, playing Wordle every morning and trying to outsmart her extended family across the country, even enjoying a little trash talk when she came out on top. And, of course, we can't forget her beloved Green Bay Packers. Bernice will always be remembered for her strength, "strong like bull" as her Polish father would say. She was consistently joyful, always greeting others with a smile, quick to laugh, and share stories with everybody, especially stories about her grandchildren. She weathered life's most challenging times and always remained rock solid with her Faith, maintained a positive attitude, and brought joy to others.
Bernice considered her family as her greatest blessing and it was clear that she was put on this earth to be a mother, a grandmother, and a great grandmother and that's what she was, simply great. May especially her grandchildren and generations to come forever be "strong like Baba."
Visitation will be from 3 until 4:30 p.m., on Friday, Oct. 23, at Jacobs Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. The casket will be open from 3 to 3:30 p.m. and prayers will be recited at 4:30 p.m. at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 5 p.m., on Friday at Immaculate Conception Church in Iron Mountain, with the Rev. Father Michael Chenier officiating and Father John Riccardo from the Archdiocese of Detroit concelebrating the Mass. Burial will be at Cemetery Park on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 11 a.m.
Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Bernice's family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to Immaculate Conception Parish (especially for the Decorating Committee) by contacting icparishoffice@gmail.com for contribution details.