This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Bernadean Howard, 96 years old, born on June 16, 1924, and passed away on February 14, 2021.
She is survived by her daughters Theresa Ozias (Dave) and Gloria Baker (Randy), grandchildren David Ozias, Rhiannon Baker, and Victoria Ozias -Thomas. Preceding her in death were her son Robert (Julie), and grandson Zak.
Bernie was an inspiration and touched many lives. We have shared a video and some photos. She was definitely a character! We would love to hear your memories and stories. Please leave a tribute below.
Bernie lived a passionate life and encouraged others to embrace their passions. Memorial Donations can be made in her name to a charity of your choice. We will cherish her forever.
She is survived by her daughters Theresa Ozias (Dave) and Gloria Baker (Randy), grandchildren David Ozias, Rhiannon Baker, and Victoria Ozias -Thomas. Preceding her in death were her son Robert (Julie), and grandson Zak.
Bernie was an inspiration and touched many lives. We have shared a video and some photos. She was definitely a character! We would love to hear your memories and stories. Please leave a tribute below.
Bernie lived a passionate life and encouraged others to embrace their passions. Memorial Donations can be made in her name to a charity of your choice. We will cherish her forever.
I am going to miss the opportunities to visit with Bernie and bask in her "joie de vivre!" You couldn't help, but smile and be inspired by her words and actions. I vividly remember the last time I had the opportunity to be with her, when a few of us met at Metro Park on a beautiful day. Bernie was at her best adventurous self as she drove carefree around the park in the "Amigo" as we, her companions, walked and laughed. Such a typical encounter with her! God bless Bernie's soul! I embrace her spirit: Be brave! Live life! Smile!
Bernie was an absolute sweetheart! She always wanted to help you out especially if you had a problem.
She always gave good advice that really worked. She was also very proud of her childhood house , roller skating achievements and of course her knitting.
She was a pro! She talked me into learning to knit. The sessions didn’t go very well ! I just wasn’t getting it and Bernie firmly told me it was because I just didn’t “listen”
She told it like it was.
Nancy & I visited Bernie at at the nursing home ; and of course she was knitting.
We reminisced over pictures and called our friend Barb Halbert.
Our Bell lunch get togethers will never be the same without her. She sure will be deeply missed.
Till we meet again; Love Cheryl Garrisi
She always gave good advice that really worked. She was also very proud of her childhood house , roller skating achievements and of course her knitting.
She was a pro! She talked me into learning to knit. The sessions didn’t go very well ! I just wasn’t getting it and Bernie firmly told me it was because I just didn’t “listen”
She told it like it was.
Nancy & I visited Bernie at at the nursing home ; and of course she was knitting.
We reminisced over pictures and called our friend Barb Halbert.
Our Bell lunch get togethers will never be the same without her. She sure will be deeply missed.
Till we meet again; Love Cheryl Garrisi
I met Bernie when we both worked at Michigan Bell. She was such a lovely lady we would talk on our breaks and lunch about her love for skating and she loved to talk about her family. I remember that she looked perfect every day with not a hair out of place and nice outfits. My heart goes out to your friends and family.
Bernie was my grandma's best friend for many years. She always treated us like family, and holds a very special place in my heart. She was such a ray of sunshine with her always positive attitude. She truly lived life to the fullest; was full of whit, spunk, and just a joy to be around. I feel truly lucky to have had the privilege of knowing her. I loved hearing stories from her skating days, loved to watch her knit, and see her amazing creations. We are holding all of our blankets and special creations a little tighter now. Love and miss you, sweet friend!
Bernie was a beautiful soul wrapped inside a fun and loving woman. She had so much wisdom to share. I met Bernie at Warren Woods Church of the Nazarene many years ago and we both ended up at Cornerstone for many years together. I heard wonderful stories of her skating days. We shared lunches out and many times just sitting and talking. I always walked away with an encouraged heart and a page full of notes to ponder and reflect on. Bernie-ism: It takes a heap of living.... Bernie was a friend to everyone she met and was always ready to tell them the reason for her hope. What a blessing to know Bernie is worshipping her Savior forever. Bye for now Bernie!
So many memories for a dear friend. She was a ray of life for everyone. Being a single mom with two young children (many years ago) she would come over and we would talk about life and roller skating. She always would call and check on me. She was my “other mom”. She had a gift and she was a beautiful woman. She is missed very much but lived her life just like she wanted — always on a roll. Rest In Peace my dear friend
My dear friend Bernie; Never a dull moment with this special lady. We shared so many special laughs & lunches together. She sure was an angel with the spunk of a 30 yr old.
Every encounter with her left us smiling.
She sure will be missed ; but remembered with a smile. Love you friend ❤️
Every encounter with her left us smiling.
She sure will be missed ; but remembered with a smile. Love you friend ❤️
Bernie was such a spunky lady, one of a kind; a woman of faith, strength, and confidence. She loved God and faithfully prayed for her family and others and for America. I enjoyed the memories she shared of her skating days. She certainly never acted her age, was witty and young at heart. I will always remember her catchy phrases-some called them Bernie-isms. ❤️
I miss her very much. I am so thankful for the time I had with her. She enriched my life and she will always have a special place in my heart.
“See you in heaven Bernie”
I miss her very much. I am so thankful for the time I had with her. She enriched my life and she will always have a special place in my heart.
“See you in heaven Bernie”
My dear friend Bernie. How I will miss our talks, our bible studies and friendship. You were a wise woman spiritually, and I truly loved you. I always loved the way you said "bye for now." Now you are with Jesus, free indeed. Until I see you again in Heaven, bye for now....
Mary Lynn Nancarrow
Mary Lynn Nancarrow
My mother, Margaret Babich and I were friends with Bernie for many years. We met her when she attended the Woods Church. Everyone loved Bernie! We enjoyed her company and positivity with every visit. We loved visiting her at her home and having tea and treats with her. She loved "I Love Lucy" and there was a special tea and talk about Lucille Ball that we went to, and enjoyed it alot! We will miss Bernie, but we will see her again in Heaven one day.
Bernie was such a wonderful Lady. She always knew when I needed a encouraging word. I worked Burger King drive thru. She'd come though. Get to the speaker and say. "I don't want anything I just have something for Brenda". Drive up to the window and give me a post it note with a verse from the Bible. She was always ready to go with me and the kids on different outings we did. Love to fight with Matt about the Blue Jays and the Tigers. You will be missed. I fill honored that I got to have you as a friend.
My Mom, my daughters and I were so blessed to get to know Bernie! She was a wonderful lady and one of a kind! I was really amazed when I learned that she used to be in skating shows! She traveled everywhere She had great stories to tell! My Mom and I used to "double-date" with Bernie and her daughter, Gloria. We had such wonderful times and now we have very happy memories. We were very honored to be included in her 90th birthday party. Bernie knew so many people and they all had fascinating stories to tell about her that day. She really touched so many lives. We're grateful that God brought us into Bernie's life. Our prayers to her family and we ask God to bless you and help you at this time. We're sending all our love. Pattie, Stephanie and Alexandra Pazdro
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
I am going to miss the opportunities to visit with Bernie and bask in her "joie de vivre!" You couldn't help, but smile and be inspired by her words and actions. I vividly remember the last time I had the opportunity to be with her, when a few of us met at Metro Park on a beautiful day. Bernie was at her best adventurous self as she drove carefree around the park in the "Amigo" as we, her companions, walked and laughed. Such a typical encounter with her! God bless Bernie's soul! I embrace her spirit: Be brave! Live life! Smile!
Bernie was an absolute sweetheart! She always wanted to help you out especially if you had a problem.
She always gave good advice that really worked. She was also very proud of her childhood house , roller skating achievements and of course her knitting.
She was a pro! She talked me into learning to knit. The sessions didn’t go very well ! I just wasn’t getting it and Bernie firmly told me it was because I just didn’t “listen”
She told it like it was.
Nancy & I visited Bernie at at the nursing home ; and of course she was knitting.
We reminisced over pictures and called our friend Barb Halbert.
Our Bell lunch get togethers will never be the same without her. She sure will be deeply missed.
Till we meet again; Love Cheryl Garrisi
She always gave good advice that really worked. She was also very proud of her childhood house , roller skating achievements and of course her knitting.
She was a pro! She talked me into learning to knit. The sessions didn’t go very well ! I just wasn’t getting it and Bernie firmly told me it was because I just didn’t “listen”
She told it like it was.
Nancy & I visited Bernie at at the nursing home ; and of course she was knitting.
We reminisced over pictures and called our friend Barb Halbert.
Our Bell lunch get togethers will never be the same without her. She sure will be deeply missed.
Till we meet again; Love Cheryl Garrisi
I met Bernie when we both worked at Michigan Bell. She was such a lovely lady we would talk on our breaks and lunch about her love for skating and she loved to talk about her family. I remember that she looked perfect every day with not a hair out of place and nice outfits. My heart goes out to your friends and family.
Gallery
Went to the Lucille Ball tea at the Warren Community Center with Margaret Babich.
Nice visit with my friend, Bernie. Margaret Babich
her Life
Early Years
Bernie was born in 1924 in Toronto, Ontario Canada to Clare and Lola Howard. She was the eldest of 5 children. As a young child she enjoyed spending time at Lake Ontario and taking the ferry to Toronto Island. She learned to knit and roller skate at an early age and was passionate about those hobbies throughout her life.
Work Life
After returning from Europe in the Roller Vanities, Bernie began her career as an operator with Bell Canada. She put her career on hold to raise her children. In the 1970's she reinstated her seniority with Michigan Bell and stayed with the company (now AT&T) until she retired. She made many wonderful life long friendships in the workplace that were very dear to her.
Recent stories
The Stolen Car
Many years ago, Bernie got her hair done at a woman's home near 12 Mile and John R. One Friday afternoon, she contacted Gloria and told her that her car was stolen out of the woman's driveway. Gloria's comment was, "No one steals a Ford Tempo out of someone's driveway at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Are you sure you didn't ride with someone?". Bernie indicated that she drove herself. Gloria said ok, and picked her up and took her home.
Flash forward, 3 weeks on a Saturday. Bernie had rented a car and driven it out to visit friends in Harrison Township. Upon leaving, she realized that she had locked the keys in the rental car. Being Saturday afternoon, she had to wait until Monday to get another set of keys from the rental agency. Gloria drove out to Harrison Township to pick Bernie up and take her home to Sterling Heights. As a result, Gloria took a different way to work that Saturday. Driving along 12 Mile, Gloria saw a white Tempo sitting alone in a medical building parking lot. She didn't think much of it until she got to work. Gloria called Bernie and told her to call the police to have them check if it was her car.
Later that afternoon, Bernie contacted Gloria to let her know that it was indeed her car. Gloria was at work, so they didn't really going into detail.
That evening, Bernie called Gloria and wanted her to take her out to find her car. Gloria started asking the obvious questions, "How did they get in?", "Is the steering column messed up?", "Is there any other damage?". Bernie responded that everything seemed ok and that they even left her a full tank of gas and the $5 bill she had on the console. Gloria said "No one steals a car and leaves cash and gas!". At that point, Bernie became a bit hysterical saying, "OMG, OMG". Gloria asked what was wrong. Bernie replied...wait for it.....
"I just remembered....They were doing construction on 12 mile and I couldn't turn down the street to get to my hair appointment. so I parked in the medical building parking lot and walked to Gina's house!"
Flash forward, 3 weeks on a Saturday. Bernie had rented a car and driven it out to visit friends in Harrison Township. Upon leaving, she realized that she had locked the keys in the rental car. Being Saturday afternoon, she had to wait until Monday to get another set of keys from the rental agency. Gloria drove out to Harrison Township to pick Bernie up and take her home to Sterling Heights. As a result, Gloria took a different way to work that Saturday. Driving along 12 Mile, Gloria saw a white Tempo sitting alone in a medical building parking lot. She didn't think much of it until she got to work. Gloria called Bernie and told her to call the police to have them check if it was her car.
Later that afternoon, Bernie contacted Gloria to let her know that it was indeed her car. Gloria was at work, so they didn't really going into detail.
That evening, Bernie called Gloria and wanted her to take her out to find her car. Gloria started asking the obvious questions, "How did they get in?", "Is the steering column messed up?", "Is there any other damage?". Bernie responded that everything seemed ok and that they even left her a full tank of gas and the $5 bill she had on the console. Gloria said "No one steals a car and leaves cash and gas!". At that point, Bernie became a bit hysterical saying, "OMG, OMG". Gloria asked what was wrong. Bernie replied...wait for it.....
"I just remembered....They were doing construction on 12 mile and I couldn't turn down the street to get to my hair appointment. so I parked in the medical building parking lot and walked to Gina's house!"