Mary Bernice Pepke

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Sarasota High School Wayne State University

Mary Pepke Obituary

Pepke, Mary Bernice
Oct. 18, 1930 - Feb. 21, 2010

Mary Bernice Pepke, 79, of Bradenton, formerly of Sarasota, died Feb. 21, 2010.
Services will be announced at a later date.
Survivors include a son, Eric of Orlando.
Born in Monroe, Mich., on Oct. 18, 1930, she was the only child of Martin and Marie (Huber) Baumgartner.
She attended Wayne State University in Detroit, where she received her B.A. and M.A. degrees in speech and theater. For 20 years, she worked in professional theater and television in New York and England.
She moved to Sarasota in 1972 and taught at Sarasota High School. From 1976 to 1996 she served as an assistant professor of theatre and through 2004 as an adjunct at Manatee Community College (now State College of Florida).
Bernice was admired and loved by the hundreds of students with whom she came in contact. Her energetic style and artistic ability as a classroom teacher and stage director will be long remembered.
She was predeceased by her husband, Max.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Max and Bernice Pepke Scholarship Fund through the State College of Florida Foundation.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Herald Tribune from Feb. 28 to Mar. 1, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Pepke

9 Entries

March 23, 2010

My husband and I met Bernice and Punky at the Paw Park here in Sarasota 4 years ago. We thought she was quite a colorful lady and I became quite attached to her. Last year we decided to get together once a month and have our nails done and then go to lunch here in Sarasota. Somehow I missed February's get together. Today I thought I would call her to get together and my call wouldn't go through. I just happen to google her name and found out why. I will truly miss you Bernice. Thank you for taking me to theatre Plays and for being my friend. I will miss you. Mary Lou and Phillip Potts

Amy Dunlap (nee Surfus)

March 6, 2010

I met Mrs. Pepke when I took one of her general theater history classes. I was getting a bad grade and figured if I volunteered to work on one of her shows, she would look kindly upon me when it came time for final grades. When I volunteered, she grabbed me by my arm and walked me over to the theater department, found Ken and said, "Here." I worked backstage on Blythe Spirit and fell in love with the theater and all the folks at the MJC theater department. She still gave me a D. Good bye, Mrs. Pepke.

March 2, 2010

Bernice was our colleague and friend at Manatee Community College (now State College of Florida), and we shall always remember her positive, kindly greetings, as well as our lively conversations. Her memory will live long and well in our minds!

Dale and Diane Melton

Laura James Grizzle

March 2, 2010

I have had the pleasure of knowing Mrs. Pepke for quite a few years. She was one of my favorite people at Manatee Jr. College. She had a great heart and wonderful sense of humor. The most memorable thing about her was her loud, infectious laugh. She had a way of making everyone she encountered feel comfortable...like she had known you for years. Anyone who knew her should feel blessed. She will be dearly missed.

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Jeff James

March 2, 2010

For most of us who were students of Bernice, she became much more than a teacher. She was family. Her encouraging words and infectious optimism would always lift my spirits when I saw her. I will never go to any theater without thinking of her, and her absolute dedication to the art.

Roxanne Fox

March 1, 2010

"Bernie" did not live here in Wildewood Springs for more than a few years, but she did make an impact with her smile, her upbeat personality, and her willingness to befriend us all...even those of us who think we have enough friends!

We will miss her walks every morning, afternoon, and evening, her little dog, her wit, and her compassion. I, personally, will miss her humor and her morning ritual at the trash bin where we often met to swap stories.

Our sincerest condolences to her friends and family.

Roxanne Fox, President
Wildewood Springs Condo Association

Kathee Stewart

March 1, 2010

Bernice we will miss you. Your smiles,laughter, spontaneous songs,
and visits by Pumpkin will always remain in our hearts. Your hugs, generosity, wonderful life stories and cherished friendship will never be forgotten.

Shirley Sampson

March 1, 2010

My fondest memories of Bernice, she was very friendly, good natured and had a harmonious attitude towards others, and oh what a infectious laugh she had.
I shall miss you dear friend.

Psalm 23
A Psalm of David
Yea, though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death.
I will fear no evil:
For You are with me.

February 28, 2010

I was a student in the music program at Manatee Junior College in 1979 - 82. I often wandered into the theater department to see what was going on, and there I was "snagged" for productions by Bernice. I will always remember her wit, her generousity, and her talent and skill as a director. I have thought of her several times over the years. My sincerest condolences to you at this time.

Rick Campbell
Dallas, TX

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