1917-2011
Bernice Durham Henny passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on August 8, 20ll. She was born in Oakland, California on March 22, 1917. She graduated from Placer High School in 1935 and attended Placer College.
She married William Durham in 1938 and had four children. Although her beauty won her multiple titles including Miss Auburn in 1937, her true passion was business. She had her own independent insurance agency for 24 years in Auburn. Additionally, after purchasing Kathi’s Apparel in 1964, she also opened Casual Air and Village Fashions on Lincoln Way.
Bernice served on and received awards from numerous Placer Co./City of Auburn boards and committees over the years. Most notable was presiding as President of the Auburn Chamber 1980-81 and receiving the Auburn Chamber & Placer County Distinguished Neighborly Native Award in 1977.
She was a longtime member of the Auburn Soroptimist Club, the Auburn Business & Professional Women’s Club and the Auburn Catholic Ladies Relief Society. In retirement, she also volunteered as a Pink Lady at the Auburn Faith Hospital.
Bernice was predeceased by her husband William Durham, husband Everett Akers, and her sister, Anita Blackford. She is survived by her son Bill Durham and wife, Jimmie, son Dennis Durham, daughter Linda Durham, daughter Gayle Scott and husband, Ben, step-daughter Nancy Yingst, “adopted” son Robert Littlejohn, sister June Marshall and husband Herb, sister-in-law Ginna Akers, niece Kathy Schroeder and husband Tom, nephew Greg Marshall and wife, Diane, granddaughters Stacia Loe and Stephanie Boyce, 4 great grandchildren, and other cherished family members.
Bernice was loving and fiercely devoted to her family and friends. Her passing will leave an irreplaceable void in many lives. There will be a private celebration of Bernice’s life at a later date. Donations may be made in Bernice’s memory to Placer CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), 11641 Blocker Dr., Auburn, CA 95603 or Sutter Auburn Faith Hospice, 11775 Education St., Ste. 201, Auburn, CA 95602. Arrangements under the direction of Chapel of the Hills, Auburn, CA.
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