Constance “Connie” Bernard, age 85, of Gladstone passed away unexpectedly at her daughter, Bonnie’s home in Gladstone on Monday, May 16, 2011.
She was born in Hubbell, Michigan on February 16, 1926, the daughter of the late James and Marie (Brunet) Mayotte. She graduated from Lake Linden High School in 1944, then moved to Milwaukee and worked as a teletype operator for Western Union during World War II. In 1951 she married Ernest Bernard in Detroit. They were married for 25 years and had two children. They were also the proprieters of three businesses and the original owners of Ernie’s Party Store in Escanaba.
In 1986 Constance moved to Gladstone to be close to her daughter Bonnie and graduated from the Bay de Noc College Respite Homecare Worker Program. She would work for 10 years as a caregiver. Constance also worked for 4 years at the St. Francis Hospital and 3 years at the Golden Host Motor Inn in Escanaba, 3 years on the program as a park guide and most recently for 4 years in the Foster Grandparent Program at the W.C. Cameron and James T. Jones schools in Gladstone. She enjoyed getting to know the teachers and children who enriched her life.
Constance was a member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church and the V.F.W. and Eagles Auxiliary for 26 years. She was an avid bowler. In 1973 she won the 5th week of the T.V. Tournament of Champions. She also musically inclined, enjoyed the outdoors and loved gardening, watching birds, hunting and fishing, working puzzles, watching educational TV shows, reading and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Constance is survived by her two daughters Carol (Bill) Tellefsen of Grand Rapids, MI, Bonnie (Allen) Doutree of Gladstone, MI; five grandchildren, five great grandchildren, many beloved nieces and nephews and special lifelong friends Mary Jean Bellefeuil, Eunice White, Maxine Kinberg, Earl Sovie, Claudia Terrian, Dorothy Carlton and Dorothy Gillette.
She was preceded in death by her parents, six brothers Robert, James, Burt, Lawrence, Raymond Sr. and Wilfred Mayotte, two sisters Eva and Lucille and her former husband, Ernest Bernard.
At the request of the family there will be no visitation. A private Graveside Service will be held at the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. A memorial mass will be said in her name. The Bernard family is being assisted by the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone.