Bernadette Noue Keil Pettengill, age 61 also known as Pele was called home on April 12, 2019. She passed away peacefully after a short struggle with cancer at her daughter’s home in Beaumont, California surrounded by her family.
Bernadette was born on March 26, 1958 in Apia, Samoa at Moto’otua Hospital, now known as the Tupua Tamasese Mea'ole Hospital. She is the eldest daughter of Rudolph Keil & Fialaui'afuale'afi Mary Rose Tamasese. She is survived by her husband Peter Pettengill, her one and only child Fiasili Milligan, son in-law Jason Milligan and her one and only grandson Keil Milligan. She is also survived by her 13 siblings: Mea'ole Keil, Corey Keil, Egon Keil, Kyle Keil, Tualagi Van Heeswyk, George Keil, Wade Keil, Elvira Apa, Ivor Kolhase, Jude Kolhase, Lemele Crichton, Leata Rasmussen, Rudolph Keil and Moeata Moore.
Bernadette’s years of education started at the early age of 5 when she attended St. Mary's Primary School in Savalalo then onto St. Mary's College in Vaimoso, Samoa. Bernadette then moved to Auckland, New Zealand to further her education and attended St. Mary's College at the age of 16. In December of 1977 she left New Zealand for Hawaii to attend Brigham Young University - Hawaii Campus. After a couple of years in Hawaii, Bernadette decided to make a huge move to mainland USA and resided in California. This is where she met and married Peter Pettengill on December 22, 1984 at Maria Regina Catholic Church in Gardena, California. Their daughter Fiasili Milligan was born to them on May 22, 1986.
Bernadette's interests and passion in dentistry became her lifelong career. She was a Registered Dental Assistant with nearly 35 years of experience. She was a dedicated, hard worker and ethical employee who never missed a single day of work. Bernadette was employed by Golden Age Dentistry up until she fell ill in March and could no longer work.
Bernadette was very involved with the USA Chapter of St. Mary's Old Girls Association (SMOGA), a non-profit organization of women who attended St. Mary's College in Samoa. She was a proud member of this great organization for 30 years. Bernadette had a great love for her family and enjoyed being surrounded by them. She especially love spending time with the apple of her eye, her grandson Keil. They would take many trips to the park, Chuck E. Cheese, ice cream parlors and Oma's swimming lessons at the Lake Club. Because of her love of family, distance did not matter when there was a family get together in Los Angeles or Orange County. She always made time to be present to support whether it be in time and services or in monetary form. Bernadette was a very organized and orderly person. She practiced the principles of living within one’s means. She also made time for different fun events with her extended family and many close friends.
Bernadette’s unconditional love, her infectious smile and high-pitched giggle will be dearly missed by all.
Ia manuia lau malaga.
