Bernie Stephens

STEPHENS, Bernadette (Bernie) Lena Kowalski entered the glorious gates of Heaven on July 24, 2009, completing her 4,316 day journey with cancer. She was born June 16, 1943 in Bremond, TX. to Stanley & Christine (Jadlowski) Kowalski. She moved to Dallas in 1958 where she worked at Harris Service Drug Store and graduated from Crozier Tech High School in 1961. She married the love of her life, Dwayne (Argo) Stephens on December 31, 1961. After several moves and 3 children, the family finally made Mesquite, TX. their home, and became parishioners at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Dallas. Bernie was a long-time employee of B&B Vending Company (currently TD Rowe) in Dallas. In February 1997, she was blessed to become employed by Intercity Investments, Inc. of Dallas. On September 30, 1997, Bernie was diagnosed with breast cancer. After a 4 year remission, her battle with ovarian cancer began in 2001. In the eight years since, she endured numerous surgeries and constant chemotherapy. Yet during all that time, she continued to work almost every day until the very end. Bernie was a blessing to all who knew her. She was a pillar of strength, courage and faith..always ready for whatever God had in store for her and never questioning Him. Bernie is preceded in death by her parents, brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Brenda Kowalski; brother-in-law, Alton Wayne Moon; nephew, Nolan Kowalski. She is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Dwayne (Argo) and their children: daughter & son-in-law, Rhonda & Barry Walker; son, Ronnie Stephens; daughter & son-in-law, Raquel & Greg Banno (all of Mesquite); grandchildren, Jessica Walker, Jared Walker & Tori Banno (all of Mesquite) and Trey Jenkins, Dylan Stephens & Brianna Stephens (of Lubbock); sisters: Pat Moon of Greenville and Elizabeth Kowalski of Dallas; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family, and a lifetime of friends. We would like to thank the staff at UTSW Sammons Cancer Center for the loving care theyve given to Bernie; her current oncologist, Dr. David Miller; his associates; Drs. Wingo, Heffernan, & Boren; the nursing staff; Anjie, Rebecca & chemo nurse, Jennifer; as well as the entire staff. Bernie appreciated you and knew you all by name!. A special thanks to her former oncologists, Dr. Robert Coleman (currently at MD Anderson) and Dr. John Schorge (currently at Harvard Medical School); and to her family physician, Dr. Jessie Doyal, who was instrumental in catching the ovarian cancer in the earliest stages. Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00PM Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3030 Gus Thomasson Rd., Dallas, TX. 75228. Rosary will be held at 5:00PM Monday evening at New Hope Funeral Home and Visitation will be from 6:00PM " 8:00PM.