Bernice Sher Archer, adventurous woman

It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Bernice Helen Sher Archer, 93, passed away Friday, May 17, 2024, at her home in Lewes. A beautiful, generous and loving spirit, Bernice will be missed deeply by all who knew her.

Born April 25, 1931, in Philadelphia, Pa., Bernice was an adventurous woman, genuinely curious and courageous, with an optimistic outlook on life, and a robust and quirky sense of humor. She took up race car driving before women had a presence in that world, and had a keen and sharp mind, always intrigued by learning and passionate debates around philosophy and the psychology of life. She applied that mind and big heart to the raising of her children, bookkeeping, retail sales, substitute teaching and making every house she lived in a true home. Bernice achieved a BA in human services at the age of 64. She was a joyful and ceaseless singer of songs, embraced a deep patriotism, and nobody loved a good bargain more than she.

Bernice fiercely loved her family and friends, and was always there as a shoulder to lean on. She blessed countless stray dogs and cats with her care and transmitted that ethical treatment to her heirs. Her favorite season was October through January (though springtime thrilled her, too) and being amongst trees gave her a sense of happiness. Her favorite color was red, and she said that “even just a small bit of red made everything better.”

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband Jon Archer; her brother Joseph Sher; her daughter Susan Sklaroff-Van Hook (Greg); her son David Sklaroff; her loving grandchildren, Alex, Kendall (Sam) and Adrienne (Tom); great-grandchildren Sophia and Vivian; and beloved family members Lori, Paula and Ioulia. Bernice is preceded in death by her parents Rose Esther and Morris Sher; sister-in-law Rochelle Sher; and her ex-husband Sid Sklaroff.

Donations in Bernice’s memory can be made to any organization that is meaningful to you.

Zichrona l’vracha; may Bernice's memory be for a blessing.