Bernice Marie Davidson

Bernice Marie Davidson, 92, passed away at her home in Salem, Oregon, on May 7, 2025. She was born September 26, 1932, to Emil and Mayme Emelia Johnson of Esko, Minnesota. Growing up on a farm with 6 siblings, her favorite chore was milking cows, and she loved to ride her horse, Lady. Her most infamous shenanigan in early childhood was climbing to the top of their farm windmill. She learned to play the piano at an early age and became an accomplished and gifted pianist. She mastered classical music, could play by ear, transpose hymns to any key, and figure out how to play a song unknown to her if someone simply hummed a few bars. She also played the trumpet and harmonica.

Bernice graduated from Esko High School in 1951 and married Allen in June of 1952. They moved to California the summer of 1953, where they were blessed with four children – Craig, Karen, Kevin, and Kurt. She was a stay-at-home mom, but took in typing jobs that could be done at home.

The family moved to Salem, Oregon, in 1967. They were founding members of the Salem Lutheran Brethren Church, with the first church service being held in their living room. In 1978, they moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where they were instrumental in starting another church. Bernice retired from her career at State Farm Insurance in 1989. In 1995, she and Allen built their dream home in Humboldt, Arizona, and returned to Salem in 2011. Allen passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2014.

Bernice was nicknamed “Gummy” by her oldest grandchild, Kristin, and was referred to by that term of endearment by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and loved ones for the rest of her life. Before losing her eyesight to macular degeneration, she enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, and creating gifts of hand-knit dish rags and machine-embroidered dish towels. Even without her eyesight, she was still able to play the piano. She was a stickler for accurate pronunciation of Finnish words, and was quick to point out when we got them wrong but also quick to celebrate when we got them right. She always had an ample supply of Starburst Jelly Beans and Wint-O-Green Lifesavers on hand. Bernice will be remembered for her hospitality, music, chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon scones, and Finnish rye bread, but most of all, her deep love for family, friends, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Allen, parents, three brothers, three sisters, grandson Tom Oxendahl, great-grandson Gunnar Oxendahl, grandson-in-law Stevie Pierce II and step-grandson Trystan Iverson. She is survived by sons Craig (Irene) of Phoenix, Arizona; Kevin (Beth) of Salem, and Kurt of Salem; daughter Karen (Terry) Oxendahl of Williston, North Dakota, as well as 9 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank Serenity Hospice for their lovingkindness and care for Bernice and her family during her final days.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for June 21, 10:00 am, at Foothills Church in Stayton. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Acres of Hope Youth Ranch, acresofhopeyouthranch.org, 6665 Rickreall Rd, Independence, OR 97351.