Bernice Anna McElhoe

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of our beloved mother, Bernice Anna McElhoe, who went to be with the Lord on March 5th. She lived a long full life, filled with love and family, laughter and resilience, She touched the lives of all she knew.

She was preceded in death by her father Hector and mother Marie Vanhulle, Harry (Husband), Donald Frank (Son and twin of Donna Mae), and all of her 5 siblings and their spouses. Leaving behind a legacy of kindness and strength. With heavy hearts She leaves behind Son Raymond (Puji) McElhoe of Everett, WA, Gloria (Jeff) Swanson of Everett, WA, Glen (Gail) McElhoe of Stanwood, WA, daughter in-law Linda McElhoe of Everett, WA, Donna Mae (Bruce) of Everett, WA, Mary (Dennis) Yarnall of Superior, MT. 13 Grand Kids, 15 Great Grand Kids, and 4 Great-Great Grand Kids, and numerous Nieces and Nephews.

Bernice was raised on a dairy farm in Duvall, Washington, graduated from Tolt High School in Carnation, WA, then took a job downtown Seattle in the Smith Tower. Then she was a stay at home mom until Mary was in Kindergarten at which time she learned to drive. She restarted her career as an accountant, for LC Roth, SRO Theaters then found her niche with Weidner Apartment Homes. She loved her jobs and worked until she was 71 and a half.

Married Harry McElhoe on April 17, 1948 and move to Ballard where Raymond (1949) and Gloria (1952) were born. When Raymond was 6 years old and Gloria was 3, they brought a house in Kenmore, WA and added to the family with Glen (1956), twins (surprise) Donald and Donna Mae (1957), and Mary (1961). Mom remained in their Kenmore home until September 2024 (age 98!) and spent her last few months at Loza Care in Lynnwood, WA.

Mom remembered every child, grandchild, niece and nephew on all of their birthdays and anniversary. Picking out a special card for each to be delivered on their special day.

Harry and Bernice loved to travel, and spend time with family and friends. Coming from a large and close family, it’s seems that nearly every weekend there was either a birthday or anniversary party for some relative and Bernice was always their in the thick of it. Bernice loved camping with family and friends, there of, at their properties from Monroe, in the early years, to Winthrop until she could no longer go.

Bernice was a faithful parishioner of St John Mary Vianney for many years, the family would suggest a donation to the church in her name in lieu of flowers at 12600 84th Ave. NE, Kirkland, WA 98034-2662, email; [email protected].