Bernice Irene Gogo's Obituary
Bernice Irene (Bussjaeger) Gogo passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and friends, just nine days shy of her 95th birthday. She was a resident of San Bernardino, CA for over 50 years.
Known as a voracious reader with a sharp mind for politics and current events, an avid USC Trojan alum and world traveler, she was most proud of being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She adored her family near and far and especially enjoyed their holidays and gatherings together.
Born in Los Angeles in 1927, Bernice was the only daughter to Agnes and Ulrich Bussjaeger, and sister to her brothers Tom and Jimmy. She graduated from St. Mary’s Academy and the University of Southern California. During her time at USC, she was very involved in many music clubs, recitals, and concerts, and performed often with legendary opera singer, Marilyn Horne.
USC would become the foundation for many lasting friendships and amazing memories. Bernice met her husband of 63 years, Bob, at a wedding for Bob’s USC fraternity brother. They started dating shortly thereafter and were inseparable until Bob passed away in 2016. Together they launched Hub Construction Specialties, which they grew from a one-man operation at its inception to one of the Inland Empire’s leading businesses with 15 locations and over 250 employees. Bernice played an active role assisting her husband with business decisions, cultivating relationships, and being a caring support for their employees and their families.
During her marriage and life, Bernice enjoyed many journeys for business and pleasure where she saw the US and the world. Of all her journeys and pastimes, it was the USC football season that brought her abundant joy and spirit. There were many years when she attended each home and away game. Even as her health declined during the 2022 season, she was still cheering the team on TV, showing her Trojan spirit by wearing her signature cardinal and gold scarves.
Together with her husband, Bernice was proud to support the USC Football Scholarship Fund, the Swim with Mike Foundation, which supports physically challenged student-athletes in the United States, and the Aquinas High School Scholarship Fund. She was also a longtime volunteer at the St. Bernardine Hospital Auxiliary where she made many friends and positively touched even more lives.
Bernice was a woman of faith. A devout Catholic, she attended mass regularly at various parishes in San Bernardino. Over the years, she developed dear friendships with many nuns and priests. Bernice was a benefactor to many Catholic parishes and charities, including the Newman Center at USC.
Bernice is survived by her devoted family: daughter, Lisa (David) Brooks of Lake Havasu, AZ; grandchildren Alexandra, Chelsea, and Stephan; and four great-grandchildren, Emily, Jace, Marley, and Gunnar.
Services include a rosary, funeral mass, and interment in All Souls Chapel and Mausoleum at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Cemetery, 3510 East Washington Street, Colton, CA on Tuesday, November 22. Services will begin at 9:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Aquinas High School of San Bernardino.
Bobbitt Memorial Chapel is managing the arrangements. Online condolences may be left for Bernice’s family at: www.bobbittchapel.com
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