Bernice Lillian Evenson

Bernice Lillian Evenson, 98, of Tampa, Fla., died Sept. 10, 2010. She was born in New York City and lived in Verona for many years and in Boca Raton, Fla., before moving to Tampa in July.

Mrs. Evenson and her husband Fred owned Evenson’s, a small retail family clothing store at 555 Bloomfield Ave., Verona, that was begun by Fred and his mother. In 1946, Evenson’s expanded into a larger space at 569 Bloomfield Ave. and became an important part of the Verona community. The Evensons were known for their generosity to community charities and civic work. After her husband died in 1964, Bernice remained as the store’s head until she retired in 1979.

A charter member of the Jewish Community Center of Verona (renamed Congregation Beth Ahm of West Essex), she served as president of the Women’s League, and was very active along with her husband, especially during the building of the new synagogue.

She is survived by three sons, Rolfe, Donald, and Michael; a daughter, Debra; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Services were held Sept. 13 at Congregation Beth Ahm with arrangements by Jewish Memorial Chapels, Clifton.

Memorial contributions may be made to Life Path Hospice, Tampa; or Congregation Beth Ahm.