Bernardine "Bernie" Schnell-Cooper

Bernardine Schnell-Cooper was known by everyone who loved her as Bernie. She lived all 103 years of her live as a native to San Diego County. Born on November 13, 1915 in Julian to her parents , John Grand and Frances (Moore) Grand. She was raised by her paternal grandparents and aunts after her mother passed away of pneumonia when she was just 6 weeks old. Graduating for Julian High School in 1933 she shared splendid stories about her childhood growing up in the small community surrounded by family and friends. Bernie always had a way of welcoming friends into her life and making them part of her extended family. The Grand Family connections and their history were so important to her that in 1968, when she declared it was a shame that the family only saw each other at weddings and funerals, she began the "Annual Grand Family Reunions", which continue to keep the growing branches of our family connected today.

Bernie radiated a beauty that came from her heart and that beauty was nearly matched by her sense of humor. How many grandchildren can tell you that the memory of the first 'dirty joke' heard, came from their grandmother? That beauty (and her humor) she shared though her exceptional patience and skills in crafting, knitting, crocheting, sewing, cross stitching and needlepoint. Though her eyesight waned in her later years and she couldn't do the needlecrafts she loved, she never lost sense of her humor. And for certain her heart always had room in it for one more cat or dog that needed a loving home.

Bernie retired as a bookkeeper for Special Services at NAS Miramar after 28 years of service. She attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Lakeside. Preceded in death by husbands: Glen Bailey, Henry Schnell and Francis Cooper and son, DeWayne Bailey. Survived by Chuck Bailey and Glendine Steidl, Sister DeAnna Needles, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.... Though her absence from our lives has left a hole that can never be filled, the rich and colorful tapestry of memories she wove around us will be part of her legacy of love that lives on in each of us.