Southbridge: Christine S. (Szumilas) Berard, 74 of Grandview Drive, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Saturday, Oct. 4th, in UMass Memorial Hospital, University Campus, Worcester, after a long hard fought battle with cancer.

She leaves her longtime companion and best friend, William K. Bishop of Southbridge and her brother, Andrew A. Szumilas of Sturbridge. Christine was predeceased by a brother, Daniel J. Szumilas in 2000.

She was born in Southbridge the daughter of the late Alphonse K. and Irene M. (Cisek) Szumilas. Christine graduated from Tantasqua Regional High School in Sturbridge.  She worked for more than 30 years in the insurance industry as a claims auditor for Hanover Insurance company in Worcester before retiring last year.  Christine loved the Arts and was an active member of the Quinebaug Arts Center as well as the Gateway Players Theater in Southbridge.  She enjoyed watching a good "Murder Mystery", sometimes over and over.

Calling hours for Christine will be held on Friday, Oct. 10th, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm in the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, with a funeral service to follow in the funeral home at 7:00pm.  Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1120 Framingham, MA 01701.