Bernadine Elsie Howell passed away peacefully May 28th, 2024, at her home with family at her side. She was 90 years old. Bernadine was born in Pueblo, Colorado and officially moved back to Spokane, Washington in 1962.
Bernadine is survived by her son, Fred Howell and his wife Debbie Howell and her daughter Geraldine McElvaney and her husband Andrew McElvaney.
Bernadine was preceded in death by her husband Joe Howell and her daughter, Elsie Howell.
"Bernie" as she was known by many, spent her life serving anyway she could. Bernadine was very active in her church. She was a girl scout leader for many years and was involved in P.T.A. while her children were in school.
After her children graduated from high school, she continued being involved with kids through programs started with the C.O.P.S. Northeast outreach programs. Open gym night was one of her favorite programs to help reach kids and keep them on the right path. A few of the students she had been involved with at the open gym reached out to her years later to let her know how much she had made a difference in their lives. That was what mom was all about, helping as many as she possibly could.
Bernadine was a dispatcher for 17 years, from 1966 to 1983, for the Morgan Acres Volunteer Fire Dept. She also was a rape crisis volunteer for 20 plus years as well. She served as a C.O.P.S N.E. volunteer for 26 years and received numerous awards for her dedication to serve the community by any means possible.
Bernadine also had a huge heart when it came to animals, especially cats. She spent many years taking care of feral kitties. She found homes for numerous cats and provided food and shelter as well as medical care for them. Kitties were dear to her heart.
Bernadine had a great sense of humor, loved gardening, going to the Hillyard Festival every year, being in the outdoors, reading, doing puzzle books, music, especially the old classic country artist that she grew up with. Her family was very close and enjoyed music when she was growing up. She talked about all the great times she had as a young girl playing instruments and singing with her siblings and parents.
Bernadine was an amazing mother and best friend. We all have wonderful memories of her that we will look back on often. She was a friend to many people over the years and kept in touch with family and extended family members. Bernadine will be missed greatly missed, but we know she is now in a better place enjoying the universe.
Bernadine's memorial service will be held at 9:00 am Friday July 19, 2024 at the Fairmount Memorial Park Sunset Chapel located at 5200 W Wellesley Ave, Spokane, WA 99205.
Please feel free to make a donation to the Honor Flight Program in her name. This was very near and dear to her heart.
I will miss her and I going for lunch after work. Her personality shined like the sun. She touched so many in was Noone else could. Fly high Bernadine. Always Phyllis
I will miss that beautiful smile and the way you always made the world around you a little better. Our loss is heavens gain. So sorry,much love, Helen
We will all miss this special friend. We know she has many family and friends laughing in heaven. Gods new Angel. Love you, Evelyn Vaughan , Bruce and Christine