Bernice Marie Smith

May 29, 1924-June 16, 2010

Bernice was born in Seattle, WA and raised in the Green Lake area by her loving family: Ambrose, her Swedish father, Gunhild, her Norwegian mother, and her two older brothers, Norman and Arnold. As a family, they enjoyed entertaining others with their musical talents, embracing their Scandinavian heritage, and enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing. Bernice grew up singing and playing the piano. She also enjoyed sports, reading, gardening, animals, cooking, sewing, friends and learning about Jesus.

Bernice graduated from Lincoln High School in 1942. She then completed one year at the University of Washington. Her ambition of becoming a nurse was cut short as World War II persisted and a handsome young man, Martin Smith, proposed to her in the snow on her way home from school.

After their June 1943 wedding and a Canadian honeymoon, they traveled along the west coast of the United States as Martin served in the Coast Guard. Martin and Bernice eventually settled back in the North Seattle area and raised 5 children. Over the past 67 years of marriage the Smith Family has continued to grow. Martin and Bernice have been blessed with 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Bernice loved to study the Bible and expressed her knowledge through songs, poetry and teaching. She has touched many lives throughout the years. She has faithfully served the Lord at the Swedish Baptist Church, Elim Baptist Church, Philadelphia Church and many other ministries with her leadership, teaching and musical talents. Bernice also worked many years during the early development of Women's Aglow Fellowship. She served on the area board, taught locally and traveled all over the world to share and inspire others to come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior.

Bernice was quick to laugh, hug, forgive, sing a tune, and give a word of encouragement. She loved learning about people, where they were from and what languages they spoke. She enjoyed her life and the diversity of life around her.

Bernice had been suffering with congestive heart failure and breast cancer for over 10 years, but very few people outside her immediate family knew that she was so ill. She truly lived by the following verse:

"Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praise-worthy, think about such things." Philippians 4:8

We are grateful for the loving prayerful support of family, friends, Providence Hospice, Pastor Steve Forrey, Pastor Paul Zettersten, and the members of the Shoreline Community Church Senior's Class. You have all been such a blessing. Thank you!

Bernice is survived by her husband Martin. Her children: Dick (Amy), Bob (Darlene), Dan (Karol), Jim (Linda), and Linda (Matt), her grandchildren: Marty (Beckie), Mandy (Greg), Molly (Allen),Julianna, Randy (Jessica), Tammy (Dennis), Breanne (Sean), Kyle, Ryan (Ashley), Jordan, Katelyn, and Taylor and her great grand-children: Christiana, Alexander, Adrian, Samantha, Sarah, Lexie, Adam, Timothy, Katie, Simon, Sebastian, Ezra, Kayla, Aaron, Sierra, Kobe, Maddie, and many Turay and Smith brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Mom's Favorite Drink: Root Beer Float

Mom's Favorite Dessert: Strawberry Shortcake

Mom's Favorite Day of the Year: Christmas Eve

Mom's Favorite Vitamins: Hugs and Kisses

Please share your memories by signing the online guest book by selecting the "View Tribute and Sign Guest Book".