Bernice Lucille Coleman

Tall and gracious, practical and confident, elegant and artistic, Bernice brought a thoughtful style to everything she touched. She delighted in homelife, raising her family, working, farming, sewing, quilting, gardening, church life, and her faith. She loved nature, the Northwest landscape, rural life and watching the change of seasons. As a lifelong learner, she earned an AA degree when her children were in college and enjoyed reading “about anything real.” She followed politics, current events, world history, and kept up on technology. Bernice cherished time spent with family and watching her family grow. She delighted in the miracle of life--a baby born, playing with young children, watching grandchildren become fine adults, and sharing her love, time, and talents with those around her.

Bernice was a stoic, independent Scandinavian and a proud American. Bernice could be many things but was always a loving and devoted wife, mother, aunt, grandma, and friend. She was the family’s cornerstone whose cooking, baking, hospitality, spirted conversations, and strong political opinions were the lively epicenter that brought her family together. Steadfast in her faith and family traditions, Christmases were legendary with handcrafted decorations, Nativity scenes, lots of homemade Norwegian cookies, and gifts for family and a large circle of others.

Bernice Berntsen was born in Richmond Beach and had a carefree childhood with her father, mother and older sister. Together, the family enjoyed trips around the Northwest, church life, and time at the beach.

After completing high school and a secretarial trade school, Bernice held administrative assistant positions in Seattle. She worked for a Ballard fisherman’s association and later the downtown Seattle FBI. In 1955, she married the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Coleman. Bernice often told her family that her life had changed the moment they met. Together, Dick and Bernice created full lives--cultivating their Snohomish farm purchased in the 1950’s, raising their children, and treasuring their church family. She worked for years at the Snohomish Chamber of Commerce. She enjoyed supporting the small-town businesses, promoting the family farms, and she took pride in welcoming visitors to historic First Street and the town’s idyllic countryside.

In their retirement years, Dick and Bernice had many travel adventures in the US and Europe. They particularly enjoyed cruising the Mississippi River on stern wheel boats. Their 50th wedding anniversary was a joyous occasion, surrounded by their growing family and large circle of friends. Shortly after the celebration, Dick returned peacefully to the Lord. Since his passing, Bernice had never stopped thinking of him, while she carried on, and looked forward to being reunited with her beloved husband again.

She was proud of her Norwegian heritage and the courageous voyages both of her parents took, as teenagers, to forge a better life in “the new world.” She learned traditional Norwegian rosemaling painting in the 1970’s and perfected her art from the moment she first picked up a brush. She sold her beautifully painted pieces throughout the Northwest, won awards and even had a piece displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Bernice took several trips to Norway, seeing “the old country” she had dreamed about since she was a child.

Bernice passed peacefully at home with her family by her side, reminding her how very much she is loved. She lived independently until the end, just as she wished. Over the years, she spoke of looking forward to the joyous moment when she would see her Savior, be reunited with Dick, family and friends who had passed, and be in the presence of the Lord.

Bernice was preceded in death by her father and mother, Bernt and Oline Berntsen; her sister Audrey; and her husband, Dick. She leaves behind three children: Sue Kleiber (Doug), Connie Wescott (Peter), and Rich Coleman (Kristina). She also leaves five cherished grandchildren: Danny (Bethany), Joe (Ashley), Maria, Annalise and Avery, and an infant great-grandson, Cooper, whose hand she held for the first time just hours before she passed. In addition, Bernice leaves behind her best cookie recipes, patterns for her Norwegian rosemaling projects, her exquisitely painted pieces, and friends too numerous to mention. All who had the pleasure of meeting her were touched by her talent, kindness, creativity, and love.

The family extends their deep appreciation to all who cared for Bernice and helped her enjoy a long and full life. Bernice started each day with prayers of thankfulness for all that the Lord had given her. She cherished studying the Bible, taking Holy Communion, growing in her faith, and sharing that love with those around her. Bernice always expressed her gratitude for the glorious world that the Lord made, for all who live in it, and especially those who protect our country.

Bernice will be missed by her family more than words can express. However, her spirit, love, and goodness remain with them. She lived life to the fullest, savoring every moment on God’s earth while keeping her eyes on heaven. Though she never said the words, we will be guided by the advice she lived: Be Viking strong and Christian kind.

At Bernice’s request, a graveside service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bethlehem Lutheran Christian School in Marysville and Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett.

[Memorial information available at Bauer Funeral Chapel in Snohomish.

A graveside service will be held at GAR Cemetery, in Snohomish, on Tuesday, June 27th, 2023 at 11:00 AM]