Bernice Winthrop

STEVENSVILLE - Bernice Winthrop, 97, of Stevensville, Montana, passed away the morning of Sunday, September 17, 2017 in the company of her family.

Bernice was born on November 18, 1919 in Tamaroa, Illinois to Charles and Mabel (Long) Britton, the fifth of seven children. She attended high school in Du Quoin, Illinois where she met Alan Winthrop. Bernice and Al were married on July 8, 1940 and lived in Benton Harbor, Michigan, then moved to Chicago where their first daughter, Judy, was born. Their second daughter, Mary, was born while Al was away serving in the Navy. After the war, Bernice and her husband built their home in Highland Park, Illinois where they raised their family. Bernice worked as a volunteer at the Highland Park Hospital, serving there for 53 years. She also volunteered many years to the Infant Welfare Society. She was a member of the Highland Park Women’s Club, was a Girl Scout troop leader, and an active member of the Congregational Church of Deerfield, Illinois.

Bernice loved to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She appreciated the beauty in nature and being outside in the sunshine. She enjoyed traveling with her husband and visited many regions of the United States and other parts of the world. In 2005 Bernice and Al moved to Stevensville, Montana. They celebrated their 75th anniversary together in 2015. Bernice was preceded in death by her husband. She is survived by her daughters Judy Petersen of Victor, Montana and Mary Lindwall of Lake City, Michigan; her four grandchildren (Elizabeth Delaney, James Petersen, Kathryn Jobson, and Nils Lindwall); and by her nine great-grandchildren (Michaela, Christopher, and Megan Delaney; Nathaniel and Eleanor Jobson; Emma and Jack Lindwall; and Kimberly and Cristian Petersen).

A gathering of her family and friends was held at the Living Centre in Stevensville, Montana. She will be buried with her late husband at the Victor Cemetery. The family of Bernice Winthrop is deeply grateful to the staff of the Living Centre for their warm, loving care during the last part of her life.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.