Inez Bernard

On January 24th, 2010 Inez Bernard passed away in her Ben Lomond home. She was 80 years old. Inez died sitting in her favorite chair, dressed and ready, awaiting Sunday brunch with her son and daughter in law. As Inez would frequently say, she had no regrets. She had lived the life that she chose, and lived it well. She had seen and done all that she wanted, had loved and been loved by those she chose. Inez was satisfied with her life, her friends, her family. Inez left a neatly stacked array of photograph albums, each filled with pictures of the rich, varied, and well-loved life she created for herself.

Inez began this life as Inez June Eikesdahl, daughter of Norwegian Immigrants. Inez was one of 5 children born to Andrew and Elizabeth Eikesdahl. The family settled in Minot, North Dakota. Born during the Dustbowl, with little food and frigid temperatures, Inez only spoke of the good times: ice skating on the lake, maple syrup icees. When Inez was three, her mother died. Inez was the baby. She went to live with her older sister, a teacher. Inez was always proud that she was smart enough to read at age four and to attend her sister's school. She remained an avid reader, crossword puzzler, and bridge player throughout her life.

Inez finished School at Oakland Tech High School. This is where she met her lifelong girlfriend Lou Coates, as well as her future husband Albert Del Masso. Inez was Scandinavian, lovely and flirtatious. Albert was Italian, handsome and ambitious. They remained married for 27 years, building a home, raising three children and being very active in local and national issues and politics.

The family eventually moved their residence to the Ben Lomond home that they continue to love so well. It was in this home that daughter Cathy spent her junior high and high school years, that son Steve played pranks on all who entered, that daughters Connie and Cathy married their husbands, and that Inez remarried, to Albert Bernard. Inez and Albert were married for 23 years, until his passing in 2008. Life was good in Ben Lomond. Life was full of joy, surrounded by good friends and neighbors. Inez lived next door to dear friends Bud and Dorothy Wyllie and Dave and Paula Sonnichsen for over 35 years. Inez always said that her home protected her. She felt that nothing bad could happen to her there.

It was in this home that Inez seemed her happiest, her most fulfilled. She volunteered at the Senior Center, tutored, played bridge, enjoyed water aerobics, and shopped at the Ben Lomond Super, where her husband worked for many years. Inez loved her life in Ben Lomond, her friends, and her family. Inez leaves behind her sister, Arline, her children Connie, Steve and Cathy, grandchildren, Vince and Casey, and great grandchildren Elisa and Vince Jr. She will be missed by all.

A private memorial for Inez will be held at her home on a date yet to be determined.