Bernice Shah, 77, of Westfield, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 25, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born at Hunts Point Hospital in the Bronx, New York, Bernice was raised in the Bronx and was the beloved daughter of the late Henrietta and Morton Rosen.

A lifelong lover of art and travel, Bernice’s adventurous spirit led her from New York to Venezuela in her twenties, before she eventually settled in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. There, she fell in love with the vibrant carioca way of life. It was also in Rio where she met her partner in love, Abroo, during a Portuguese language class. The couple eventually returned to New York, marrying and starting their family in Brooklyn Heights before moving to Westfield, where they remained deeply rooted for over 40 years.

Bernice was a talented artist whose works include prints, portraits, landscapes, and abstract art. Her passion for the arts guided her to return to school in her forties while raising two young children, successfully earning her Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts. She generously shared her talents by teaching art classes to the elderly, and she spent years advocating for others by helping individuals with intellectual disabilities secure meaningful employment.

Known affectionately as "the glue" of any social circle, Bernice had an extraordinary gift for connecting people. She was a natural leader among her and Abroo’s cherished "gang" of lifelong friends. Fiercely loyal, if you made it into Bernice’s orbit, she never let you go. She was a true curator of experiences, creating countless magical moments for her loved ones and hosting unforgettable family Thanksgivings in Westfield for decades.

Bernice is survived by her devoted husband, Abroo Shah; her son, Tarik Shah and his fiancé Adrienne Koepke; and her daughter, Karima Shah and her husband Jack Every. She was the cherished grandmother of Serena and Lucy Every, who brought endless light to her life which she shared with anyone who would listen. She is also survived by her brother, Jay Rosen and his wife Rocio Brea Rosen; her nephew, Jack Louis Rosen; and her nieces, Lena Rosen and Lorraine Rosen.

Her warmth, loyalty, and artistic spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society.