Bernadine Kennison

Bernadine “Bernie” Kennison, 77, of Charlottesville, Virginia, died on November 24, 2024., after a tragic fall in her home. Bernie was born February 13, 1947, in Cleveland, Ohio, the firstborn daughter of Bernadine (Himmelspach) and Robert Terlaak. She grew up for most of her childhood in Garrettsville, Ohio, on a farm along with her three younger sisters. Bernie graduated from James A. Garfield High School in 1965, and then earned a Bachelor of Science degree, with a major in Interior Design, from Michigan State University in June, 1969. She married her college sweetheart, Harry Kennison, on August 19, 1969, in Colorado. After her husband’s service in the Army in Kansas, Bernie and her husband returned to the Denver, Colorado area. Over their 55-year marriage, Bernie also lived in Evergreen, Colorado, Scottsdale, Arizona, and Charlottesville, Virginia. Each home displayed her genius as an interior designer and her love of art. Bernie worked for many years as an accountant for various businesses, but her true career and most fulfilling work was as an interior designer. She was also a talented painter, selling acrylic paintings of race cars that her husband had photographed. Bernie also tirelessly and graciously cared for her father for over three years after her mother’s death. Bernie was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her loving husband, Harry; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Dr. Mary Terlaak-Smith and Dr. David Smith of Rancho Santa Fe, California; Patricia Beltranena of Buellton, California; Christina and Anthony Manuelli of Pennington, New Jersey; and Warren Kennison of Golden, Colorado. She will be sorely missed by her nine nieces and nephews, Renee Bea, Matthew King, Nicki Beltranena, Chepe Beltranena, Lauren Maciariello, David Smith (her godson), Cristina Ines Beltranena, Dr. Katherine Doyle and Peter Manuelli (her godson). She is also survived by 14 great nieces and great nephews, Colin, Grace and Caroline Doyle; Edith and William King; Maria Sol and Catarina Bea; Grace, Alice and Charlie Maciariello; Isabel, Wyatt and Claire Smith; and Dylan Beltranena, as well as many close friends. Bernie will be long remembered for her generosity, sense of humor and unique personality. When with Bernie, it was impossible not to laugh and smile. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Bernie’s memory at https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html .