Bernice Maxine Gavin's Obituary
Bernice M. “Bee” Gavin passed away of natural causes March 30th, 2017 at Providence Saint Peter Hospital, in Olympia, surrounded by family and friends. She was born July 29th, 1921 in Walla Walla, Washington, and is preceded in death by her husband Don K. Gavin, her son Michael D. Gavin, her parents Carl and Louise Johnson, and siblings Florence, Melvin “Don”, Walter and Joanne. She grew up in Tacoma, WA, where she attended grade school and Lincoln High School. Bernice co-owned and operated Brown’s Beauty Shop in downtown Tacoma for several years during and after WWII. Bernice married Don, her high school sweetheart, September 23rd, 1944 in Deming, New Mexico.
Bernice was a devoted wife, mother and daughter who knew how to make a house a home. She made family parties into special events and gave June Clever a run for her money. Have you ever tried her Sauerkraut Stuffed Prunes? Her talent as a seamstress ensured that the family and home was always in style. Her metal sculptures, leaded glass, mosaics, hooked and braided rugs, and award winning quilts gave new meaning to the term Quilting “Bee”, and her treasures will be enjoyed for generations.
She loved playing and watching baseball and golf as well as attending her children’s and grandchildren’s events. She was an integral part of neighborhood activities, and loved playing bridge and poker, particularly when she won. Bernice and Don often spent their weekends finding good deals at garage sales (especially sparkly chandeliers) and an eye out for what others needed (even if they didn’t know they needed it). As an early pioneer of the “Glamping” movement, Bernice was often seen on family camping trips dressed all in white and handing out her fine gold cutlery. A highlight of her day was enjoying family while having snackers, Peanut M&Ms and a 5 o’clock Tiddly.
Bernice will always be loved and remembered by her children Gwendalee Franzen, husband Gary (Shelton), and G. Scott Gavin and Dawn (Reno), 8 Grandchildren (Tracy, G. Joshua, David, Janelle, Breanne, Jeremy, Jessica and Cody), 11 Great-Grandchildren (Slava, Olivia, Julia, Sophia, Brayden, Joshua, Cooper, Skyler, Logan, Ashby and Nora).
Memorial donations can be made to:
Providence St. Peter Foundation
413 Lilly Rd. NE
Olympia, WA 98506
Phone (360) 493-7981
www.providence.org/giving
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