Durham – Bernice Bertrand, 73, of Stackpole Road in Durham, died Friday

evening at her home with her loving family by her side.

She was born in Lewiston on March 5, 1934, a daughter of the late Ronaldo and Adelia (Lapointe) Bertrand. She attended local schools and on June 6, 1959, married the love of her life, Roger Bertrand. She worked primarily as a homemaker but also worked at West Breeze Orchards for many years. She was a member of St. Louis Church in Auburn.

Bernice (Miss B), loved reading, bowling, gardening and square dancing. For many years she and Roger wintered in Zephyrhills, Fla., where she had many friends from all over the U.S. and Canada. When in Florida, she loved going on long walks and bicycle rides where she could just enjoy the wonderful Florida weather. She loved being around her family and especially her grandchildren. Her house was like a second home to her grandchildren where they enjoyed spending much of their free time. She was famous for making them “picnic lunches,” which she made special to each ones likings. Her grandchildren always made sure they brought their friends to her house to meet their memere, where she always had plenty of ice cream and popsicles for them.

She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Roger; and their children, Donna Polley and husband, Michael, Brian Bertrand and his wife, Jennifer, Keith Bertrand and his wife, Verna, and Glenn Bertrand and his companion, Melody, all residing in Durham; her grandchildren, Jasmin, Colette, Owen and Jared Polley, Ryan, Krista, Evan and Grace Bertrand; stepgrandchildren, Jessie, Jackie, Benji, and Jenny Berry. She is also survived by her sisters, Dorothy Violette of Augusta, Marie Berry, Muriel Bechard, Joan Caron and husband, Bert, of Lewiston and Maryann Marston of New Hampshire; and a brother, Ronaldo Bertrand and his wife, Antoinette, of Lewiston.

She was predeceased by a son, Craig Bertrand; and a sister, Theresa Dousteau.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice.