Bernice Gerard

She was born November 23rd to Edna and John Mertz in Miles City, Montana, the second of seven children.

When Bernice was six years old, her family moved to Renton, WA, so they could be close to the aunts and uncles in Auburn, WA.

Bernice rarely talked about herself. This week, her family was amazed to discover a picture of her in the newspaper with the caption, "Bernice yield's a mean crayon". At age 11 she was the grand prize winner in an Easter egg coloring contest. "Even the fact that Bernice sported a black eye for this photo couldn't spoil the happy moment for her." Mom, we had no idea. Maybe that's why Linda's favorite book was, Harold and the Purple Crayon.

She completed public schools in Renton and graduated from Renton High School.

Bernice married her “darling” husband, James Dolcy Gerard, December 12, 1952. Bernice adored her amazing mother-in-law, Iva O. Gerard, and never has one person been held in such high esteem and love.

James and Bernice raised three fantastic kids, Kathy, Linda and Jim. In her last days during a hospice interview, when asked how many kids she had, she said, "I have 3 kids, two of them are for sale, and I have to go cut blackberries stickers." Kathy, Linda and Jim are trying to figure out who she planned to keep.

In 1968 Jack and Bernice moved to a ten acre farm in Issaquah, WA. Bernice was resilient, energetic, hard -working, outspoken, and loyal. She was a home-maker , and an organic farmer before it was cool to be an organic farmer. She preserved food from the organic garden, beets, carrots, saurquart ,beans, jams, and will always be remembered for making the best pickles on earth.

As a non-Italian, she had fun being a member of the Sons of Italy in Kent. It may have had something to do with the wine?

She found time to bowl, crochet, and read. She always thought about other people and often times, unselfishly, placed them before her.

She was an Avon lady, and amassed a huge Avon figurine collection covering one bedroom wall, floor to ceiling, all of which is available to purchase after the service.

Bernice grew rhododendrons, azaleas, roses, dahlias the size of a dinner plate, peonies and lilacs. She attended many 4H meetings and county fairs when the girls were involved with their horses. She loved to boat and fish, camp, and ride motorcycles. Over the years, she attended all of Linda's music concerts. And to Linda's delight Jack and Bernice traveled to Pe Ell to see her first concert as a music teacher.

When Jim was in 7th grade, he was buying calves at the livestock auctions. Mom would pick him up in dad's '66 Chevy, no shocks, no power steering, and her petite stature made it difficult to see over the dashboard! Doubtful she could even reach the floor pedals. Imagine her driving that truck from Marysville to Issaquah with 15 calves in the back! I bet Jim could share a few more stories about that!

Bernice had compassion for animals. For a time she ran a dog sitting business out of her home. She was very sad when her dog, Buster, died.

She loved working in places where she could help others. She spent many years in food service, and retail, and was always flashing that beautiful, dazzling smile!

For years, Bernice enjoyed the time spent with daughter, Kathy, touring the state doing craft shows and street festivals.

Bernice was a product of the days when kids played outside with marbles and socialized with one another. She was a child of the depression.

She somewhat adapted to gadgets and tools until the 70's. After that, she kind of, sort of, had control at the TV remote. The kids were delighted when the remote was invented, as it put them out the job. She flipped out over using a flip cell phone, and was a faithful land line no-caller-ID, girl to the end! She mastered Sudoku but not a flip cell phone.

Daughter Linda retired 3 years early, and was excited that Bernice invited her to join the Senior center and play cards. Sadly, we did not a chance to do that.

Bernice was devoted to her friends at the Issaquah Senior Center, and made friends with Susan, Larry, Juanita, Bob, Molly and many others. Her friends are now the kids friends. Right, Susan and Juanita?

She looked forward to playing pinochle on Wednesday nights, and having lunch with her friends on Tuesdays and Fridays. The family was thrilled to see her getting out and socializing and having so much fun. She shared some pretty good stories about her experiences there. I doubt that had anything to do

with the city shutting them down and taking over control of the center. She was very brave to do that on her own. That's what a strong, resilient person does.

Bernice spent 46 years with husband Jim until he passed Feb.16, 1998. The kids recently informed him that he was finally having company!

Bernice remained at the Issaquah farm until the last three months of her short life, living with son Jim, who was a fantastic care giver to her, making sure she had good food to eat and plenty of entertaining things to do. On a trip from Mexico, he showed her a grocery ad and said, look how expensive the food is! He was always trying to make her laugh and make her life better.

Bernice was strong, resilient, independent, kind, generous and loving. She was an inspiration and will be deeply missed.

Bernice is survived by daughter Kathy Miles, of Maple Valley, WA;

daughter, Linda Gerard, of Tumwater, WA;

son, Jim Gerard Jr., Issaquah, WA;

grandson Brandon Miles, of Maple Valley, WA;

grand-dog Gage of Issaquah,

and family daughter, Julie Griffin, of Issaquah, WA. As the kids said, "Mom always liked Julie best", to which Julie replies, "that's because she didn't raise me."

She is also survived by her sister, Wanda Prong, and brothers Bill Mertz, , Andrew Nelson, Jim Nelson and Tom Nelson.

This poem, found on a card she gave to husband Jim in 1955, reflects Bernice’s beautiful spirit and philosophy:

"Whatever your wishes may be,

May every one come true!

Whatever your hopes and plans,

May they succeed for you!"

The family is grateful to Providence Marianwood, Issaquah staff for their superior care of Bernice. She was in such horrible pain and they made her as comfortable as possible. Everyone immediately fell in love with her, exclaiming how nice and patient she was, and cried with the family, when she passed.

The family wishes to thank all the hospice friends that helped us find our way. Thank you.

Thank you Julie. We love you so much.

We will miss you, mom. We love you. Thank you for everything.

Keep yielding that mean crayon!

Arrangements under the direction of Greenwood Funeral Home, Renton, WA.