Bernice Madeline McKenna

Bernice Madeline McKenna passed away peacefully on April 17, 2026, in Lawrenceville, Georgia, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, humor, and vibrant spirit that will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Born in Staten Island, New York, Bernice was the beloved daughter of Kathleen Elizabeth Bueta and Razio Patrick Bueta. She spent most of her life in Staten Island before living in North Carolina, and then making her home in Lawrenceville, Georgia for the last nine years.

Bernice lived a life centered on family, connection, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed and cared for, offering comfort, laughter, and steady support to everyone around her.

She worked in a variety of industries throughout her life, ranging from banking to logistics. However, she will be remembered most for her vibrant aerobics classes and the dedication and preparation she poured into each one. She also faithfully attended Jazzercise classes, where she built lasting friendships that became like family to her. These communities brought her great joy and reflected her love of movement, music, and connection.

Bernice was a devoted mother to her children, Neil Thomas McKenna, Christopher Patrick McKenna, and Alyssa Kathleen McKenna, and a proud and loving grandmother to her five grandchildren: Martha, Skipper, and Kellan McKenna, and Donavan and Sutton Rooks McKenna. Affectionately known as "Boom-Boom," a nickname lovingly given to her by her grandchildren Donavan and Sutton, she embraced her role as grandmother with boundless energy, playfulness, and love. Bernice is also survived by her loving sister, Patricia Pugliese and her husband Vinny Pugliese, and their children Jessica and Vincent; her brother, Antonio Bueta and his son Nicholas; and extended family including daughters-in-law Donna Rooks, Wendi McKenna, and son-in-law Jason Smith, along with many dear friends who felt like family.

Bernice and Thomas McKenna were married for 30 years and remained connected after their divorce. She showed great acceptance and deep commitment to family by welcoming Annette McKenna into the family, maintaining a close relationship, attending gatherings together, and forming a genuine friendship that reflected her deep commitment to family and keeping those bonds strong.

She was an amazing gift giver, always finding thoughtful and meaningful ways to show her love. She rarely missed a moment in her grandchildren's lives—attending chorus concerts, swim meets, cheer events, summer leagues, school ceremonies, and everything in between. She was an honorary member of Sutton's cheer team, often proudly calling out cheers from the sidelines at football games. As a devoted swim fan, she could be found enthusiastically waving a poster of Donavan's face—sometimes so energetically that she accidentally hit those nearby, a memory that will forever bring smiles and laughter. She enjoyed Skipper's works of art and took great pride in her creativity. Even when she couldn't attend many of Kellan's baseball games in person, she made sure to watch them remotely, and she took great happiness in watching Martha compete at her equestrian events.

Bernice found joy in the little things—sharing music (sometimes a bit ahead of its time for younger ears), taking the girls out for skincare shopping on free weekends, and bringing them to movies others might have skipped. Her presence made ordinary moments feel special.

She will be fondly remembered for her sense of humor, including her frequent habit of absentmindedly discarding her gum and it mysteriously disappearing.

Throughout her life, Bernice carried herself with strength, generosity, and an unmistakable spark. She created a world of warmth, laughter, and unforgettable memories for those around her.

A service to honor Bernice's life will be held on August 1, 2026, from 12:00–3:00 p.m. at Vecoma at the Yellow River in Snellville. Please RSVP on the following website to join us for her celebration https://celebrationoflifeforberni.rsvpify.com/. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice in Bernice's name.

Bernice Madeline McKenna will be remembered always—with love, laughter, and deep gratitude.