Bernice Vera Gerry, 92

Longtime Coeur d’Alene resident Bernice Vera Gerry died Dec. 29, 2015, at Creekside Inn Memory Care Community.

She was born Jan. 31, 1923, in Ottertail County, Minn. She was one of 10 siblings who enjoyed family events, like their annual reunion in Reno.

Bernice was married to Farland (Charlie) Carpenter for 33 years until his death, and the couple had two daughters together. She was married to Robert Wilkinson for four years until his death and then to Edward (Charles) Gerry for 35 years until his death in 2007.

Bernice was extremely well-read. She was an accomplished candy maker/chocolatier, cook and seamstress. She loved ballroom dancing and music, and wintered in Hawaii with Charles for more than 10 years. The couple also traveled to Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Australia and Machu Picchu.

She was employed for several years at the Elks Lodge and the Edminster Student Union at North Idaho College.

She is survived by siblings Robert, 97, of Salt Lake City, and Jim, 88, of Vacaville, Calif.; numerous nieces and nephews; daughters Sarah Dawn (Robert) Johnson of Hayden Lake and Lorna Carpenter of Coeur d’Alene; granddaughters Micah (Derrick) Brunner and Kelsey (Nick) Saintz, both of Coeur d’Alene; grandson Mason Husky; and grandchildren Penelope and Malcolm Saintz.

English Funeral Chapel, Coeur d’Alene, has been entrusted to handle final arrangements. Please visit Bernice’s online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.