Berneice Hreha

Berneice "Neicy" Courtney Hreha, who brightened the lives of countless people, passed away on April 29, 2019.

Neicy was born October 1, 1928, to Isaac and Daisy (Sheets) Hoshauer, in Alvin, IL. Her parents and brothers, Isaac (Freda) Hoshauer and William Hoshauer, preceded her in death. Neicy married Lucian J. "Lu" Courtney, Jr. on September 6, 1958. Lu passed away on her birthday in 1979. She married Joseph G. "Joe" Hreha in August 1, 1987. Joe passed away on July 10, 2000.

She is survived by her children, Lisa Courtney (Chuck Reifsteck), Tom (Robin) Courtney, Chris (Kathryn) Courtney, and Kathy Hreha (Ken) Johnson; grandchildren Jhane Reifsteck (Felipe Contreras), Elsa Reifsteck, Casey Courtney, Sean Courtney, Ian Courtney, Connor Courtney, Keith Johnson, Karin Johnson, Kim Neale, Matt Doran; and great-grandchildren Leonor, Juleon, Oceana, Caymen, Bryce and Nolan.

Neicy grew up in Danville and lived most of her life there. From her strong and loving mother, Daisy, she learned to take care of herself and her older brothers, while her mother worked as a waitress to support them. She graduated from Danville High School in 1946. She earned a bachelors degree in Business Administration, from Millikin University in 1950, despite a professor of Accounting asking her to leave his class because she was "taking up a mans place."

She started her career as a retail buyer, then joined the Commercial-News in Danville. After having children, she taught junior high Math and English at St. Paul Grade School. She enjoyed each of her students, dishing out learning, love and discipline as needed.

In 1973, she returned to the Commercial-News, finding great fulfillment in meeting people in the community and writing their stories. When Gannett Co. acquired the newspaper, she moved to a corporate position in Promotions Management until her retirement in 1992. She was a mentor to young women starting their careers, and battled for women to be paid fairly.

Neicy loved her children very much and gave them the freedom to find their own way. She taught them to take care of themselves and others. While owning their own mistakes was required, she provided caring guidance as requested. She enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

When she married the love of her life, Joe Hreha, they created a very happy family. Joe and Neicy enjoyed hosting wonderful family holidays. They had many travel adventures together, to Ireland, Europe and spending time with friends in Pidgeon Forge, TN. The couple could tear up a dance floor and enjoyed every day of being together.

Supporting the Danville community was always important to her. She knew almost everyone (so it seemed!), and had many lasting friendships. Neicy was a long-time member of St. Paul Parish, Circle K Kiwanis, and the Vermilion Festival Chorus, and participated in the community in many other ways. She was an advocate for the mission of the Laura Lee Fellowship House, through the Commercial-News and personally. After retirement, she spent many enjoyable hours reading to children at Laura Lee.

She had a lovely singing voice, and was an original member of the Danville Light Opera. Neicy was a member of the St. Paul choir, sang for many weddings and funerals, and most enjoyed singing "O Holy Night" at midnight Mass. She very much enjoyed Danville Symphony Orchestra performances.

Neicys music and her friendship migrated to the Windsor of Savoy, where she sang with the Windsor Singers. She was blessed with many good friends at the Windsor. The staff at the Windsor watched out for her in later years, and she had truly kind and loving caregivers, for which her family is very grateful. The family also wishes to thank the very caring team at Carle who took care of her in her final days.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1303 N. Walnut St., Danville, IL, on Thursday, May 2, 2019, at 11:00 am, with Father Hoffmann officiating. Visitation will take place from 10:30 am to 11:00 am at the church. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery, 818 Wendt Street Danville, IL, following the funeral. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N. Vermilion Street, Danville, Illinois 61834 is assisting the family with arrangements.

Contributions in Neicys name may be made to Laura Lee Fellowship House, 212 E. Williams, Danville, IL, 61832, St. Paul Parish, or a charity of the donors choice. Please join Neicys family in sharing memories, photos and videos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .

Services Visitation Thursday May 2, 2019 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM St. Paul's Catholic Church 1303 N. Walnut Avenue Danville, , Illinois 61832 Funeral Mass Thursday May 2, 2019 11:00 AM St. Paul's Catholic Church 1303 N. Walnut Avenue Danville, , Illinois 61832