Barbara Irene Bermes

1944 - 2025

Barbara Irene (Vance) Bermes was born on August 8, 1944, in Billings Montana to Paul David and Augusta Vance. She left us on October 13, 2025, surrounded by her family after a 14-year fight with Sarcoidosis.

Mom grew up in Billings. She was the youngest of seven brothers and sisters. Pete (Snooks), Tom (Rita), Jim, Lou, Helen (Larry), Mary (George) and Donna (Dan). She met dad (Jerry Bermes) in elementary school. They married in 1963 one year after graduating from Central High School.

As with all good catholic families at the time, my sisters and I quickly followed. Dawn in 1964, Julie in 1965, me in 1968 and Lulu in 2009. We always joked that Lulu was her favorite child. Mom and dad eventually settled in Missoula, MT where they raised us.

Mom worked with dad at National car rental before opening Ivy Hill in Missoula MT. She always had a sense for fashion and style. She enjoyed her time at Ivy Hill before moving to Issaquah in 1988.

Mom's life was dedicated to all of us. She was the first person to head to you when you needed anything. Mom loved her family but had an extra love for her grandkids. So much so that mom and dad bought a beautiful home in Coeur d'Alene Idaho. This house was the meeting point for us in Montana and the family in Washington. She watched her grandkids grow up at the lake. She saw engagements, anniversaries and holidays that she would not have experienced if we did not have Idaho. We would walk through the door on a Friday evening, and she would be ready for her boat ride. We made her listen to all sorts of music she didn't like but she did it with a smile on her face. She was happy that we were there and that the grandkids were there. She loved her neighbors on Catamaran Drive. The Bosche's hold a special place in all our hearts.

Mom made many friends while in Coeur d'Alene. She was active in book club, volunteering with the local fire department and various quilting clubs. Mom and Aunt Helen coordinated an annual quilting retreat for the Vance family ladies. There were many beautiful quilts made over the years but mostly it was just a time to spend together.

She is survived by an immediate family that loves and misses her every day.

Dad and Lulu.

Dawn and Scott Persha.

Nicholas (Emily, Nora, Sofie, and Evelyn) Persha.

Lauren Persha.

Julie Furcini.

Johnna, Bryce, Peter, Caleb and Boone Comfort.

Drake, Josie and Gio Furcini.

Derrick, Kirstie, Leo and Brooks Furcini.

Brenda and Phil Lande

Sarah and Zack Richter.

Isabel Lande.

We will be celebrating mom soon in Coeur d'Alene. It is time to show the youngest generation what life on the lake is all about.