Ventura, CA
On July 14th, Bernice Jane Garnett peacefully left this world after a long, full life. Job opportunities brought changes that resulted in each of her five children being born in different states. One thing that held constant, however, was her husband of 71 years, Lawrence T. Garnett, who survives her. He was her rock.
Bernie was born in Worcester, Mass. on September 2, 1925. She was one of eight children born to the Irish McInerny family and outlived them all. Bernie attended Massachusetts State College in Amherst. She joined the U.S.O to provide companionship to World War II servicemen. She was an avid reader, loved doing crossword puzzles, and played a mean game of double solitaire!
She lived her life in the service of others. At one time she served as Religious Education Director at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Fullerton, CA. After moving to Ventura she joined Our Lady of the Assumption Church, where she taught CCD for many years, volunteered in the rectory, and was a member of the Prison Ministry. She was a dedicated volunteer at the American Cancer Society, driving critically ill patients to treatments. Bernie very much enjoyed her years as a Special Education teacher's aide in the Ventura Unified School District ? she loved helping young people, especially those who needed it the most.
Bernie made lasting impressions on all those she met, and left behind countless treasured memories and more than a few laughs. She recognized every act of kindness she received with a hand written thank-you note, and unfailingly noted birthdays, accomplishments, and sorrows with cards and letters that reflected her love. She took on the role of "Christmas stocking knitter" when her sister Claire could no longer do it. She knit stockings for spouses that married into the Garnett family, and for each grandchild, great grandchild, niece, nephew and child of treasured friends. With great patience and constant encouragement she managed to teach two of her girls to successfully complete a stocking. They will carry her knitting torch forward proudly.
And yes, she was so very loved, by so many people - most especially by her husband, her five children and their spouses, her thirteen grandchildren and her 8 great grandchildren.
Until we meet again for "Coffee and...": Up Yer Bum, Mum!
The rosary will be recited for Bernie on Friday, July 20, at 3:00pm at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Ventura, CA. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, July 21, at 1:30pm, also at OLA, with reception to follow in the rectory.
In lieu of flowers, you would tickle Bernie pink with a donation to Food Share: https://foodshare.com/
Published in Ventura County Star from July 18 to July 19, 2018.
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