Marie R. Bernier

Marie graduated from Bishop Baraga High School in 1947. Following her schooling, she embarked on a career that began at the First National Bank where she assisted Ellwood Mattson. Marie also worked at Carpenter Cooks.

Marie married Dennis E. (Pete) Bernier on April 21, 1951, and then took on the most important job of all, raising her seven children.

Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, leading her to teach CCD at St. John the Baptist Church for many years, preparing children for their First Communion. Marie found joy in working with the ladies of the St. John the Baptist Altar Society and St. Louis the King Women’s Club. Marie was also a devoted member of the Third Order of St. Francis for over 60 years. Her active involvement in these societies was a testament to her commitment to her community and her faith.

A woman of many talents, Marie loved baking bread, making pasties and pies, and canning. Her culinary skills were only matched by her prowess in crocheting, knitting, and sewing, skills that won her many awards at the Marquette County Fair.

Marie was the proud matriarch of a large and loving family. She is survived by her children: Susanna (Steven) Wahlstrom, Stephen Bernier, Ann Blume, Carol (David) Mills, MaryAnn Bernier (James Groesch), and Teresa Pepin (Bill Barber). Her legacy will continue to thrive through her grandchildren: Kristina Craig, April Nagelkerk, May Nagelkerk, Brittney Fishback, Megan Greer, Jeremy Blume, Joseph Mills, Matthew Mills, and her great-grandchildren: Lakota and Kaiya Craig, Cameron Collier, Calvin, Caitlyn and Caden Perron, Ava Nagelkerk, Sage Blessitt, Hunter Fishback, and Harley Meyer. Marie’s extended family of nieces, nephews, and special nieces Cathy (David) Ehred and Verna (John) Meharg, as well as many cousins, were an enjoyable part of her life.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis Bernier, her sisters Patricia Thomas and Carol Maki, brother-in-law, Donald Thomas, son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Debbie Bernier, niece, Joanne Thomas, and grandson, Glenn Alan Bittner.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 26, 2023, from 4-7 pm ET at St. Louis the King Church, Harvey, with a Franciscan prayer service at 7 pm ET. Visitation will also take place on Friday, October 27, 2023, from 10-11 am ET. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 am ET, at St. Louis the King Church, 264 Silver Creek Road, Marquette, with the Reverend Thomas Merkel officiating. A luncheon will follow in the parish hall.

A graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the St. Louis the King Building Fund, 262 Silver Creek Road, Marquette, MI 49855.

Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the Bernier family where memories of Marie may be shared at canalefuneral.com.

Marie’s life was a beautiful tapestry of love, faith, and service. Her adventurous spirit was infectious, inspiring those around her to live fully and love deeply. Marie never said goodbye, but in her own words:

“I’ll see you when I see you!”