Bernice Jane Stevens, long-time resident of Mount Vernon, Washington, died July 10, 2022 at the age of 94. She was born on a forty-acre farm in Mount Vernon to James and Elizabeth. She had three older sisters: Isabelle, Joyce, and Gladys. Bernice went to Ridgeway Grade School and she usually got there on her roller-skates. She graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1945. Her position as a song leader and a cheerleader in high school set her up for a lifetime of friends. The connections with her classmates continued as they met regularly in the years to come. She also met with her monthly “Lunch Bunch Crew” at Max Dale’s Steakhouse.
Bernice married Wendell Dean Stevens in December of 1948, sharing 18 years of marriage’s ups and downs. While she spent many notable years as a bank teller, she held a variety of jobs in her lifetime. First and foremost, Birdy worked for many years at the Skagit County Court House. She enjoyed working with Katie and the many costume parties as well as decorating for the holidays. Bernice worked at a Woolworth Department Store, Brassy’s Gift Store (La Conner), Red Apple Market (as a bookkeeper), and on the local Election Board for Voting. Bernice attended First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mount Vernon for many years. Bernice enjoyed gardening, shopping, and travelling. She consistently worked 2-3 jobs well into her 80’s; anything to keep her farm on Starbird Road. She loved her birds and would feed them only the best food.
She was preceded in death by her husband Wendell, as well as her special friend Virgil. Virgil and Bernice enjoyed numerous parties, travelling, and boating trips with their many friends, as members of the Swinomish Yacht Club. Bernice is survived by her daughters, Karen and Wendy, and her sister, Darlene, along with many cousins, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
There will be a Memorial Service with a reception to follow for Bernice at 1:00PM, Friday, February 17, 2023 at Kern Funeral Home of Mount Vernon. You may offer your condolences and share memories of Bernice to her family online at www.kernfuneral-home.com. Arrangements are under the care of Kern Funeral Home.
