Berniece Louise Omans

Berniece H. Omans passed away peacefully at home in Lancaster, PA on September 14, 2026, at the age of 96. She was born on May 29, 1930, in Dearborn, Michigan and was the daughter of Frederick A. and Edith (Bryant) Holappa. "Berne" attended Michigan State University and earned Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees in Education from Temple University and a Master of Arts degree in Library Science from Villanova University.

Berniece was a devoted elementary and middle school teacher for 25 years in Springfield (Delaware County) School District and Baltimore City Public Schools District. She retired from teaching in 1995 and began a new career with Barnes and Noble in Lancaster, where she worked full-time in the music department until age 82.

Berniece had an endless thirst for knowledge and a passion for learning, travel, art, music, reading, cooking, needlework and socializing with family and friends. She was especially proud of her Finnish ancestry. She was a dedicated volunteer with Girl Scouts of America, the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, and the Women's Symphony Association of Lancaster, where she organized and coordinated the annual Youth Instrumental Music Competition for several years.

Surviving are her three daughters, Nicole O. Sturla, Colette Nicoletta and Danielle Omans; grandchildren Cate (David) Kuhn, Peter Sturla, Maura Trimble and Allison and Emily Nicoletta; and two great grandsons. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Frederick C. Holappa and sister Janet Dihle.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date to honor Berne's life and legacy.