Pearl Bernice Kelly

A resident of the beach cities for over 73 years, Bernice died Monday, April 7, 2008 of natural causes. Born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, October 17, 1913, she moved to California in 1921 and to Hermosa Beach in 1935.

A long time member of the retail food clerks union, Bernice worked at the early "open front" Safeway Markets on Pacific Avenue in downtown Redondo Beach and at the Pier Avenue Safeway in Hermosa Beach. She was subsequently employed at Edwards Market in Manhattan Beach, Borders Market in Torrance and Ray Steed's Food Mart in Redondo. She was also employed by Redondo Office Supply, Ingar Nutrition in Manhattan Beach and Lindberg Nutrition at their first Del Amo store.

Over her many years of serving her customers, she will always be remembered for her efficient and courteous demeanor and cheerful laugh.

Along with her love of reading, she found great joy and excitement in her frequent trips to Lake Tahoe and Laughlin.

She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Victor: son, Jim Schumacher of Hermosa Beach; daughter, Gayle Reed of Torrance; granddaughter, Gina (Frank) DeRosa of Hermosa Beach and close great granddaughters, Ashleigh and Alison DeRosa. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Jean Kutzleb; son, Arthur Schumacher; sisters, Elizabeth Pierce, Juanita Vandiver, Doris Underwood; brother, Lee (Ruth) Settle of Long Beach and the recent passing of her daughter-in-law, Alle Schumacher of Hermosa Beach.

The family wishes to extend their thanks to Trinity Hospice and especially to The Canterbury staff members who cared for her with kindness, dignity and respect.

Services will be held at Rice Mortuary in Torrance on Saturday April 19, 2008 at 11:00 AM. A Reception follows in the Lighthouse Room at the mortuary. Private Graveside services will be held at Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes.