Bernice Gin

Bernice C. Gin

Bernice Gin joined her beloved husband Harry and her siblings after departing this world on Nov. 25, 2024, surrounded by family.

Born to Charlie Foo Chin and Yuk Wan Leung in San Francisco in 1933, Bernice was the baby of the family and doted upon by her older siblings. Bernice earned her Bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley in 1955. She married the love of her life, Harry Gin, in 1956 and moved to Tucson. Bernice taught at Bonillas Elementary before starting their family. They welcomed 4 boisterous children, encouraging each to pursue their dreams while emphasizing the importance of hard work, education, music and creativity. Bernice joined the rifle club in college and later took up tennis. She had a competitive streak and loved teaching her kids and grandkids Chinese checkers, card games and mahjong. She embraced volunteerism with the Chinese American community and Save the Children, helping young Native Americans in Southern Arizona, and was politically active. She supported worthy causes, especially for seniors and education. Bernice later served as director of a senior day center for the Pima Council on Aging (PCOA) for 22 years, creating a sense of community for all. Bernice and Harry loved University of Arizona sports and travel. After he passed, she continued her adventures, visiting the Galapagos Islands, South Africa, New Zealand, Canada, Finland and Mexico. But her greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren. From visiting museums, playing games, watching their sports, and celebrating college graduations and weddings to traveling the world together, she loved them dearly. She lived to enjoy her first great-granddaughter. She was forever grateful for her amazing network of friends, neighbors, and honorary nieces and nephews, who kept her connected to the community. She enjoyed her season Wildcats basketball tickets and was escorted by close family friends to her last game a few weeks before her passing. Bernice is survived by children Susan Gin-Shaw, Nancy Gin-Cramer (Jay Cramer), Patricia Gin (Donald Sparks) and Stephen Gin along with 7 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews. Bernice will be deeply missed but remembered for her bright smile, generous spirit and high energy that inspired everyone whose lives she touched. Her life celebration is Sunday, Feb. 23. No flowers please. A donation to PCOA, American Diabetes Association, Literacy Connects, Humane Society of Southern Arizona or the charity of your choice would honor her legacy of kindness and love of humanity. To share a favorite memory online, please go to Legacy.com.