Bernice Derrick Beard

Bernice Derrick Beard, 74, of Wyomissing, died Thursday, December 14, 2006 at 8:30 pm in the Reading Hospital and Medical Center where she had been a patient since December 1st.

She was the wife of John A. Beard Jr., whom she married November 20, 1954.

Born January 4, 1932 in Reading, PA., she was a daughter of the late Stewart W. and Anna S. (Schaeffer) Derrick.

She was a 1949 graduate of Reading High School.

Bernice was a member of Atonement Lutheran Church, Wyomissing.

She was an avid sportswoman and internationally recognized billfish angler. She caught and released over 300 billfish and a few of her awards included; 1975 Woman's Champion, Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament; 1980 International Game Fish Association Atlantic Grand Slam and 1983 Woman's Champion, The Classic Billfish Tournament, Cabo San Lucas.

Bernice is also survived by a daughter, Victoria Beard Hodgkins wife of David E. Hodgkins and a granddaughter, Anne Victoria Beard Hodgkins all of Fairfax, Virginia.

Services will be private with the Rev. Richard Summy officiating. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Mrs. Beard's name to Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue, 60 Vera Cruz Road, Reinholds, PA 17569 or Humane Society of Berks County, 1801 North 11th Street, Reading, PA 19601. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. www.kuhnfuneralhome.com