Grace Marie Bernard Harper

 

Grace Marie Bernard Harper passed away on January 6th, 2024 at Holy Cross Hospital-Davis from a stroke at the age of 86.  A longtime resident of Clearfield Utah, Grace was born December 18, 1937 (the last of three born to Grace Anne Overin and Edwin Joseph Bernard) in Jamaica, Queens Borough of New York City.

 

When Grace was 7 years old (a few years after her father's passing), the family moved to Florida where her mother remarried and gave birth to two more children, Alice and George.  Grace went on to business school, eventually becoming a competent secretary at a very young age.  Shortly afterwards, she met and married Richard Harper in Orlando, Florida.  In time, they raised 11 children.

 

Throughout her life, Grace moved over 20 times and lived in 11 different states and one foreign country (Japan).  Her children remember her unique ability to build their curiosity and excitement on each anticipated move.  After military life (Air Force), they retired to a farm in Minnesota.  Grace and Richard divorced and Grace eventually resettled in Utah.

 

Among her greatest accomplishments, Grace spent a stunning 60 years raising her own children and grandchildren.  During this period, she also found time to frequently assist in charitable opportunities in her community and church.  She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

 

Grace is survived by nine of her eleven children: Janina Castillo, Robert (Karen) Harper, Michelle Harper, Domonique (Neal) Williams, Christine Harper, Rodney Harper, Damon (Jennifer) Harper, Christopher (Amity) Harper, Wendy (Nick) Cypert, her half-brother, George Hoadley, an adopted brother, Tom Stearns, 30 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren.

 

She was preceded in death by two of her sons, Richard Harper and Roger Harper, her former husband, Richard Harper, her sister, Marjorie Larsen, her brother, Edwin Bernard, and her half-sister, Alice Hoadley.

 

Services will be held Monday January 15, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton  Mortuary located at 1867 North Fairfield Road, Layton, Utah.  Friends may visit with family Monday from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. at the mortuary prior to the service.

 

Interment, Clearfield City Cemetery.

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