Bernardine C Travelstead, 92, of Davenport, FL, died July 8, 2024 at home. She was born December 17, 1931, in Plains, PA, the daughter of Charles Mociun and Maryanna (Lutynski) Mociun. In 1954, she married Robert Travelstead while both were serving in the US Navy, stationed in Oakland, CA.
Bernardine was a registered nurse, graduating from the Presentation School of Nursing, Aberdeen, SD in 1952. She then served in the Navy Nurse Corps. until starting her family in 1954. She continued her career as an RN at St. Mary’s Hospital, Centralia, during the 1960s, then proudly served as the school nurse at Salem Community High School from 1970-1987. During this time, she also received a BA from Eastern Illinois University and taught Nurse’s Aid training at SCHS. Her tender heart and caring, humble, nature endeared her to all who had the pleasure to know her.
Bernie lived in Florida for the last 9 years but resided in Southern Illinois most of her life. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, dining out, reading, cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals, and working jigsaw puzzles.
She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Centralia.
Survivors include a son, Robert F. Travelstead of Benton; a daughter, Amanda J. Travelstead of Davenport, FL; a daughter-in-law, Brenda Travelstead of Woodstock, Georgia; brother-in-law Michael (Dixie) Travelstead of DuQuoin; grandchildren Matthew Travelstead of Austin, TX; Kelly Travelstead of Woodstock, GA; Katie (Matt) Davis of Marietta, GA; great-grandchildren, Jack and Samuel Davis; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband, Robert F. Travelstead; a son, Jeffrey B. Travelstead; a daughter, Christy A. Brooks; brothers, Rev. Casmir, Stanley, Thomas, Raymond, and Ralph Mociun; sisters, Alfreda Mociun, Ann Harrity, and Florence Borkowski.
A private Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary Catholic Church followed by interment at Peaceful Valley Cemetery in Odin. The Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the donor’s choice.
