Longtime Milwaukeean Bernice DeVorkin (nee Steinberg) died Feb. 15 in Peekskill, N.Y., after a long struggle with lung cancer. She was 82.
She was born and raised in Philadelphia. At a young age, she found she had a love of acting and began vocal lessons. From 1930-35, she was a vocalist for a Philadelphia radio show while attending the Curtis Institute of Music as a vocal and piano major.
During World War II, she was a member of the Neighborhood Players and entertained troops at Fort Dix and local hospitals. She also was a member of the USO and Stage Door Canteen, performing with such stars as Lucille Ball, Mickey Rooney, Fred Astaire and Paul Henreid. From 1943-46, she performed with the JJ Schubert’s Company in light operettas and summer stock.
She moved to Milwaukee in 1948 following her marriage to New Yorker Jack DeVorkin, the former owner of Midwest Lamp Company. He died in 1979. After settling in Milwaukee, she remained active in theater, working with the Renaissance Theatre group as performer and assistant director.
She was the director of original plays and skits at Beth El Ner Tamid Synagogue. Further, she joined the Jewish Center Players in 1960 as a performer and later directed various productions.
In addition to her theatrical interests, she enjoyed cooking, entertaining and needlework. She moved to New York last September to be near her family.
She was a member of Beth El Ner Tamid Syangogue, B’nai B’rith, Hadassah and Actors Equity.
She is survived by son Ira (Harriet) DeVorkin of Austin, Tex.; daughter Mona (Chris) Peck of Peekskill; and three grandchildren.
Rabbi Gideon Goldenholz officiated at the funeral on Feb. 18. Burial was in Mound Zion Cemetery.
The family would appreciate memorials to the Phelps Hospice, 701 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., 10591; or The Music for Healing and Transition Program Scholarship Fund, 22 West End Rd., Hillsdale, N.Y., 12529.
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