Bernice Emily Renner

Bernice Emily Renner was born in Tacoma, Washington on April 5, 1926 to Michael and Emelia Bernobich (Bernbic), immigrants from Austria. She received her education in the Pacific Northwest. While attending college, she was installed as a member of the National Honorary Society of Tau Kappa Kappa.
She was married to her dearly beloved husband William Renner, November 1948. She will be remembered as compassionate and kind; with a warm smile, ready to help anyone in need. She devoted her life to God, family, and community.
She was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Tacoma for 62 years; a (founding) member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Vancouver, Washington for ten years. She was a parishioner of St. Matthew Catholic Church in Hillsboro, Oregon for nine years, from 2009 to June 1, 2018.
Bernice served as president of Holy Cross Altar Society, and served on the first Parish Council at Holy Cross. She was a member of The Catholic Daughters of the Americas, and of the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women. She taught Confraternity of Christian Doctrine classes for many years at Holy Cross and was active as a leader of Girl and Boy Scouts.
She was a professional oboist in her early years, playing in Northwest Symphonic orchestras. She loved and promoted classical music all of her life. She and her husband wintered in Palm Springs, California for 18 years. She lived at Rosewood Park Retirement home in Hillsboro, Oregon from 2009 to the end of her life. Bernice had a great love of God and family, and also an intense love of her country.
She was preceded in death by her only sibling; her dear sister, Jane Wingard.
Survivors are her husband William, her children Cheryl (Brian) Partridge, Col. (USAF Ret) Michael (Karen) Renner, Col. (USAF Ret.) Robert (Marie) Renner, and Nancy (Steve) Hursh, ten grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. She is also survived by spouses of grandchildren; nieces, Virginia Wingard Phillips, and Sonja Wingard. Also by cousin Dr. Norman Cigar of Virginia, and cousin Karen and her daughter Leeann Mirous. Bernice's family deeply appreciates her wonderful caregivers, especially Cindy, Ligia, and Precious.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Tacoma, Washington, 11:00 AM Tuesday, June 12, 2018 and preceded by the Rosary at 10:30 AM. Entombment Calvary Cloisters in Tacoma. “Memorials” may be given for the charitable works of The St. Vincent de Paul Society at your nearest Catholic Church. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-292-9565.

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