Obituary: Bernadine Schmitz Gunderson

March 19, 1919 - March 4, 2011

Born and raised in Osmond, Nebraska, the youngest of four children, Bernadine (Nadine) moved to Detroit after high school in order to begin her career in banking. Here she met her future husband, Douglas. When he moved to San Diego to design aircraft during World War II, they married. They lived in California, Kansas, and Georgia as Doug worked in the aeronautics industry and Nadine raised their three children. She returned to banking when her youngest child was in high school. After their retirement, they lived in Santa Clarita, Calif., and enjoyed traveling around the United States and the world. They also enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Nadine especially enjoyed playing bridge, and was a life master. After the death of her husband, she moved to Gardnerville and then Carson City to be near her daughter Karen. Recently she moved to Walnut Creek to be near her daughter Barbara.

She spent the last week of her life in the presence of her children, cared for by her caregivers and Vitas hospice staff. Her children are grateful for the loving, dignified care she received here.

She is survived by her three children: Eric, Karen (Jim), and Barbara; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; cousin Larry Schmitz; and many nieces and nephews, all of whom will miss her presence in their lives. Her husband preceded her in death, as did her sisters and brother. Her family is planning a memorial service when her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will be able to be together to celebrate her life.