A private burial is being planned
After a brief decline in health, Bernice Lillian Sonné, 96, passed away peacefully with family by her side in Hollister. Born in Davenport, Iowa, Bernice had many wonderful memories she shared of family events, gatherings and everyday life as a child and young adult. Her family, as she would always say, was her most precious thing that she held dear to her heart. Bernice met her future husband Albert, when she was five and Albert six, beginning a friendship that lasted 90 years. In their mid-twenties, the friendship became a courtship and they married. Children followed and they lived happily on the family farm just outside Davenport. Bernice helped with everyday farm chores, gardened and rode her horses along the tree lined farm roads. In 1953, Bernice and Albert, and their three sons moved to California. Bernice settled in nicely and raised hers sons. She offered the best care any child could want. The family spent many years camping, hiking, picnicking and just being together. Bernice also enjoyed music, literature, animals, art and the outdoors.
Bernice is survived by her husband of 69 years, Albert, and sons, Peter (Leslie), Gordon (Marcia), Mike (Mary), seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. The family thanks Dr. Daniel Wang and the staff at Hazel Hawkins Hospital, and the staff at Mabie-Southside Skilled Nursing Facility for their exceptional care. Donations in Bernice’s memory can be made to the Hazel Hawkins Foundation Mabie-Southside, 911 Sunset Drive, Hollister, CA 95023.
