Bernice Marie Smith, 85, died September 27, 2014 in Mt. Angel.
Bernice was born on February 7, 1929, to Rudy and Minnie Berning, on the family farm in Mt. Angel. She graduated from Mt. Angel Academy in 1947 and married Peter N. Kirk of St. Paul on June 19, 1948. After Peter's death in 1961 she and her children moved to Salem. On July 17, 1965 she married Thomas E. Smith also of St. Paul and moved with him to Mt. Angel where they resided with their family until 1989, when they moved to McNary Estates in Keizer. Thomas died in 1994. Bernice moved to her final home at Mt. Angel Towers in 2013. Bernice's entire life was spent in the Willamette Valley and she made long lasting friendships where ever she lived. Bernice was a member of McNary Golf Club and St. Edward's Catholic Church for many years, and most recently St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mt. Angel

Bernice is survived by her 9 children and their spouses: Pegi and Dave Bielenberg, Silverton, Mary and Tim Sowa, Molalla, Jeff Smith and Ron Acierto, Portland, Dave and Janet Kirk, Silverton, Stu and Patty Smith, Wilsonville, Connie and Dave Nelson, Salem, Shauna and Doug Koster, Salem, Kelly and Mark Traeger, Mt. Angel , Carl and Linda Wilmes Smith, Woodburn, 25 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, sisters Dorothy Bernards of Mt. Angel and Mary Lebold of Salem.

Rosary Vigil, Tuesday Sept 30, 2014 at 7:00 PM, and Mass of Christian Burial, Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at 10:00 AM, both at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mt. Angel. Burial at St. Paul Cemetery, St. Paul, Oregon at 2:30 PM. Unger Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Contributions in memory of Bernice can be made to Providence Benedictine Nursing Center, Mid-Willamette Valley Hospice or the charity of your choice.