Bernice D. Allen, 88, of Ironwood, died peacefully early Sunday morning, Nov. 30, 2008, surrounded by her family, in Ironwood.      The former Bernice Elias was born March 25, 1920, in Ironwood, daughter of the late Emery and Bernice (Birch) Elias, attended A.L. Norrie Grade School, and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1938.      She worked at the Peter Lites Coffee Shop in Ironwood for several years and as a dispatcher for Ramme's Auto Salvage and Wrecker Service, and was also employed as a housekeeper and nanny.      Bernice was a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood. She enjoyed taking care of her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and especially enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoyed knitting and crocheting, and baking for all her friends and family, and was especially known for her peanut butter cookies and homemade bread. She also enjoyed playing bingo and going to the casino in the company of her friends.       Bernice was a loving mother, grandmother, great and great-great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to all whose lives she touched. She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.      She was married to Clarence Allen on July 15, 1940 in Hurley. He preceded her in death on April 16, 1964.      Surviving are two daughters, Beverly (Brian) Tousignant and Debbie (John) Spaulding, both of Ironwood; two sons, Larry (Joyce), San Angelo, Texas, and Wayne (Shirley), Ironwood; ten grandchildren, Tammie Ruby (Benny Pertile), Ironwood, Tim Zanella, Hurley, Terra (Gil) Worel, Hixton, Wis., Wanda Allen, Montana, Larry (Paula) Allen, Ironwood, Derric (Jenny) Allen, Dadin, No. Carolina, Carl Allen, Marinette, Wis., Wayne (Melissa) Allen, Iron Belt, Wis., Aundrea (Spencer) Maki, Niagara, Wis., and Leisa Spaulding, Ironwood; 23 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren; two brothers, Stanley (Anna) Elias, Bessemer, and Frank "Poncho" (Paula) Elias, Ironwood; a sister, Frances (Richard) Holm, Ironwood; a sister-in-law, Lillian Elias, Ironwood; numerous nieces and nephews; and her beloved constant companion, her chihuahua, "Tipper".      Besides her parents and husband, Bernice was preceded in death by a daughter, Donna K. Allen, on April 8, 1953, in infancy; three brothers, John, Benjamin and Emery Elias; three sisters, Marian Hauschildt, Helen Soltis and Annie Schmitt; a nephew, Robert Holm, and a niece, Nancy Fisher.      In accordance with Bernice's wishes, cremation has taken place.      Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, Dec.3, at noon, at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood, with the Rev. Darryl Pepin, celebrant.      Rite of Committal will take place in the St. Joseph Family Room at the church, with luncheon to follow in the parish hall.      Spring inurnment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood.      Relatives and friends may call in the St. Joseph Family Room at the church beginning at 11a.m. on Wednesday.      To view Bernice's obituary online, sign the guestbook, or express condolences, visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.      Arrangements are with McKevitt-Patrick and Engstrom Funeral and Cremation Services of Ironwood and Hurley.