Bernice Woodward's Obituary
Bernice M. Woodward
June 20, 1934 – May 15, 2016
Bernice Margaret Woodward, age 81, was born in Tacoma Washington and lived in Tacoma most of her life.
Bernie grew up in a family with many relatives who emigrated from Scandinavia. Her father emigrated from Sweden. On her mother's side, her grandfather emigrated from Sweden and her grandmother emigrated from Norway.
Bernie Woodward, was the daughter of Nils and Violet Haggstrom. She was the wife of Ernest (Ernie) Woodward, who preceded her in death at the young age of 28. Bernie is the mother of Ken Woodward, who is married to Nora Woodward. She is the grandmother to their children; Eric, Michael and Annie Woodward. Bernie is also the mother of Kathy Binkley and grandmother to her children Amanda, Sarah, and Elizabeth (Biffy) Binkley. From Amanda Binkley and Chris Goldie-Wells, Bernie is the great grandmother to Tristan and Erika Goldie-Wells, and their baby brother due to arrive in August. From Sarah Binkley and Garrett German, she is also the great grandmother of Gabriel German.
Bernie was also a beloved cousin and niece, and she was “Grandma” to every young person who knew her.
Bernie was active in her community throughout the years; active in the school PTA, a Boy Scout leader, and she helped organize the Tacoma chapter of Parents without Partners. Bernie was also very active in the support of people with developmental disabilities, caring for someone in her home for 24 years and supporting her ability to have a full and happy life.
Bernie worked as a secretary in the school of nursing at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) for nearly 20 years, and paved the way for her two children, Ken and Kathy to graduate from PLU, followed by her granddaughter, Biffy graduating from PLU just this spring/
Bernie’s biggest legacy will be the her kind and generous heart that she shared with family, neighbors, friends and strangers, as she welcomed many into her home.
Bernie’s living without pain now, breathing the fresh air of heaven and spending time with Jesus.
She will be greatly missed here on earth.
Memorial services for Bernie are being held today at noon today, May 20th in the Mt View Memorial Park’s Garden Chapel at noon.
What’s your fondest memory of Bernice?
What’s a lesson you learned from Bernice?
Share a story where Bernice's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bernice you’ll never forget.
How did Bernice make you smile?
