Priscilla Anne Bernotas

Priscilla “Pat” Bernotas, 101, died peacefully on January 15, 2025, surrounded by her family after a short illness. Born in North Amherst on July 27th, to Charles and Ursula Balchunas (Kominski), she lived her entire life in the family home.

During World War II she contributed to the war effort as a thread inspector at Greenfield Tap & Die. She was married to Stanley Bernotas on May 18th, 1946. Afterwards, she managed Amherst Paint & Wallpaper Company for 15 years until she left to care for her family. Ever conscious of her civic duty, Pat worked as the Precinct Warden for North Amherst, District One for nearly forty years. She also spent 4 years in the 1960’s and 70’s going to door-to door as a federal census taker. She was a town meeting member for decades and remained involved with local politics and University activities. For 15 years she volunteered as a 4-H leader and was active in the local school system, not only as a member of the parent council of Marks Meadow but also as a volunteer library aide and a cafeteria helper. She was an avid fan of UMass basketball, holding season tickets well into her eighties. She loved the outdoors, walking regularly with firends from North Amherst to the center of town each evening, regardless of the weather, unless there was enough snow for her cross-country skis to slide so she could explore the local fields and woods. She grew a rich and abundant garden that she planted abd harvest yearly, sharing the bounty with family, friends and anyone in need of fresh vegetables.

Pat believed in hard work and self-reliance. Even into her eighties she was up on a ladder cleaning out her own gutters. She loved children. Beginning in 1973 at the age of 50, she became a licensed school bus driver and was devoted for decades to the safety and well-being of kid in her charge.

Perhaps she was best known for Stan’s Sport Shop, opened by her husband in 1957. After Stan’s passing in 1975, she continued to run the store selling fishing and hunting licenses and equipment, as well as live bait. Many of her customers would remind her that they recieved their first fishing gear from her in their childhood. She continued selling bait up through the current season.

Family was of prime improtance to Pat. She remained an intergral part, not only of her children’s and grandchildren’s lives, but also the lives of a large extended family. Everyone was always welcome to gather around the kitchen table in her home for a meal, or just for company and conversation.

Predeceased by her parents, Charles and Ursula Kominski, and her husband Stanley Bernotas, she is survived by her children, Nancy Cicia and son-in-law Paul Cicia;by her son James Bernotas and daughter-in-law Laurie Noe Bernotas, by her five grandaughters: Angela Cicia with her husband James Sulikowski, Francene Cicia with husband Patrick Reilly, Josie Cicia, Emily Bernoteas with her husband Timothy Drumgool, and Hannah Bernotas, as well as by her great-grandson William Reilly.

Calling hours will be at Douglass Funeral Home in Amherst Center on 1/21 from 4:00 to 6:00pm.

A funeral mass will be held at Saint Brigid’s Church on 1/22 at 10am followed by a burial at Saint Brigid’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can me made to a charity of your choosing.

Memorial guestbook can be found at www.douglassfuneral.com