Bernice Lucille King

1925 - 2015

Bernice Lucille King, 90, of Manchester, NH, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2015, in the presence of her family. Born in Manchester, NH on April 28, 1925, she was the daughter of Henry and Rose (Brown) Gauvin. She was the eldest of their seven children. She spent most of her life in Manchester. Bernice attended St. Anthony Elementary School and she was a graduate of Our Lady of Grace Academy. In 1963, she was predeceased by her beloved husband, Norman Morin, former principal of Hallsville Elementary School. Together they had six children, Patricia Morin Haggerty and her husband, William, Daniel Morin and his wife, Maureen, James Morin and his wife, Evelyn, Anne Marie Boisvert and her husband, Martin, Teresa Morin Bailey and her husband, Kenneth, and Peter Morin and his wife, Mary Jane. She was blessed with fifteen grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren, who brought tremendous joy to her life. Bernice also spent sixteen years in Contoocook with her husband, John King, before returning to Manchester. He died January 2013.

Bernice had a love of books and worked for many years at the Yankee Book Peddler in Contoocook, before following a career in retail. She began her career as a young woman at the Association Canado-Americaine, where she later retired in 2000. It was there that her culture and heritage were closely aligned with her job responsibilities. She used the French language as a receptionist, translator, and tour guide. As a guide, she had the opportunity to travel extensively to places such as France, Italy, Canada, Ireland, Medjugorje, Bosnia, and throughout the United States. Wherever she worked, Bernice was always willing to accept a challenge, but her greatest skills were respecting and honoring everyone’s individuality. She cherished and nurtured the many deep friendships which she developed throughout her life.

She consistently demonstrated her commitment to the community through involvement in local political campaigns and her service at Ward Nine polls. She expressed her devotion to her parish, Blessed Sacrament Church in many ways, including the Food Pantry, Adoration Chapel, Spirits Alive, and Shawl Ministry. When she was able, she was a Eucharistic minister and lector. She served many years as chairperson of the bereavement meal committee.

It was Bernice’s wish to return to St. Anthony of Padua, her original parish, where she received all her sacraments, for her funeral rite. She was a member of the St. Anne’s Sodality. In previous years, she could often be found at The Thirteen Tuesdays. Bernice felt peace in her spirituality and also found peace at the beach. She loved nothing more than collecting shells and sea glass. One of her favorite books was Anne Morrow Lindbergh‘s "Gift from the Sea".

Services: Calling hours are Friday from 4 to 7 PM at the Connor-Healy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 537 Union Street, corner of Concord Street, Manchester, NH.

The funeral will be held Saturday with a mass of Christian burial to be celebrated at10 AM in Saint Anthony of Padua Church, Belmont Street, Manchester, NH.

Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Manchester, NH.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Blessed Sacrament Church, Food Pantry, 14 Elm Street, Manchester, NH 03103.