Bernice Carlson

Bernice Carlson
January 20, 2021
San Luis Obispo, California - Bernice Carlson, 88, born in Seattle, passed away peacefully at her house, on January 20, 2021, going to her heavenly home. For almost five weeks, she was surrounded by loving family and friends, via phone and visits through the outside window, with the view of Laguna Lake and the surrounding mountains and sky. Bernice's gifts were her kindness and thoughtfulness, and her concern and caring for people, including those who she didn't even know.
Bernice was a great lover and caretaker of animals, including wild birds, ducks, dogs and cats. Even with her vision impairments, she adored all the dogs in the neighborhood - large and small - and could identify them by name. Bernice loved plants and gardens, and her own garden was a testament to that love. She was a strong supporter and fan of the arts, especially those involving her grandkids.
Bernice grew up in Preston, Washington, a small lumber mill town, with her loving parents, Phil and Florence. She attended grade school in Preston, and then graduated from Issaquah High School. Bernice graduated from the University of Washington, in nursing. She went on to become a nursing instructor at Tacoma General Hospital, where she worked for several years. Bernice then married Glenn, and they went on a three month honeymoon to Europe, during which they met their relatives in Sweden. Next, they spent three years in Minneapolis and St. Paul, where she worked as an instructor of nursing at Mounds Midway Hospital.
Their next stop was San Jose, and then onto Glendale, before settling in beautiful San Luis Obispo, California, where she lived for over 50 years. During this time, Bernice created a wonderful and nurturing world, filled with love and fun for her family. In terms of community, Bernice was a long-time and involved member of the First Presbyterian Church of SLO. She also supported and was involved with a wide range of organizations in SLO County.
Bernice's love of driving cars resulted in many trips back and forth to Washington State, with many extended family and friend visits and fun times together in the Pacific Northwest. She had a special love for the open road up and down the west coast (including Canada).
Bernice is survived by her husband Glenn, her daughter, Susan and family (Chuck, Annika, and Thomas), her son Steven and family (Louise, Greta, and Sacha), her nieces and nephews, and cousins, and their families. She was very grateful to have so many wonderful and caring friends, and neighbors, who were part of her "SLO family". Celebration of Life has not yet been planned. To honor Bernice, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Central Coast Hospice, SLO Food Bank, or Prado 40.