Bernice Meyer

BERNICE NELLIE MEYER (nee Notzli)

Born, April 25th, 1927, in Tacoma, Washington

Passed Away, November 7, 2013, in Hayward, California

Bernice Meyer was the younger daughter of Albert and Pauline Notzli, immigrants from Switzerland to the USA. Baptized at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Tacoma, the family next moved to Bremerton, where Bernice's father, an expert tailor, worked for the JC Penney Store. In Bremerton, Bernice began her Catholic School Education at Our Lady Star of the Sea School.

In 1933, the Notzli family relocated to Oakland, as Bernice's father was chosen to be the first tailor at the newly opened JC Penney Store. Bernice attended Saint Anthony Elementary School. Her "favorite" teacher was Sister Mary Canisius, RSM, who taught her in both 4th and 6th grade. Bernice was mentored at the piano and pipe organ by Sister Mary Donata, RSM. For many years, Bernice was the organist at Saint Anthony Catholic Church in Oakland.

Bernice attended Notre Dame High School in Alameda and graduated in 1945.

Mrs. Meyer attended Business College and became a skilled stenographer and typist. She was the executive secretary for Mr. Bruce Goldman and his Mr. La Rue of Goldman's Department Store.

When the time came for marriage, Bernice and her groom, John H. Meyer took their vows, "till death do us part," at St. Anthony Catholic Church on September 11th, 1949. Fifty years later, they renewed their vows at the same parish.

Upon John's retirement, the couple moved from Hayward to Joyce, Washington (Port Angeles) where they enjoyed the beautiful rural setting among the evergreen trees, and the rhythmic sounds of the waves at the shoreline of the Straights of Juan De Fuca.

Both of the Meyer's returned to Hayward in January 2013, to live at the family home. Over the past months, the family appreciated the care extended by Dr. K.S. Chen and the nurses and staff at Saint Rose Hospital. At-home caregivers are to be commended for their devotion to the couple.

Bernice and John were the proud parents of Steven John, Kenneth Alan, and Mark Herman Meyer. All the boys were born at Providence Hospital Oakland, where Dr. William J. Kennedy, MD, was the family doctor to all three generations of the family.

Mrs. Meyer was pleased to see all three sons graduate from Moreau Catholic High School in Hayward and later, from USF and UCLA respectively.

Bernice and John were frequent participants at both the Newark Swiss Park and Ripon Swiss Hall, where they loved to dance to the Swiss tunes. It was at the Newark Swiss Hall, that the couple celebrated their wedding reception, their 25th and 50th anniversaries as well. This past September of 2013, John and Bernice quietly observed their 64th wedding anniversary at home with family and friends.

Bernice is survived by her husband, John, her three sons, cherished daughter-in-law, Lisa Meyer (Marc), her sister Paula, and her nieces, Kathleen O'Connell and Denise Mucci. She was devoted to Gabriel and Sofia, her special "angels."

There are three services. A Prayer Service of readings and hymns will take place on Thursday evening, November 14th, at Holy Angels Mortuary, 1051 Harder Road at Mission Blvd in Hayward at 7:00PM.

On Friday evening, November 15th, at 7:00PM, there will be a Wake and Recitation of the Holy Rosary at Saint Vincent de Paul Church, Steiner and Green, San Francisco. On both Thursday and Friday, visitation will be held prior to the stated service times, beginning each day at 4:30PM.

The Requiem Mass will be celebrated at All Saints Catholic Church in Hayward on Saturday, November 16th, at 9:00AM. Burial to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hayward in the Saint Anthony section behind Moreau High School. All are cordially invited to a reception to follow at the Newark Swiss Park, Mowry West at Cedar Blvd. in Newark, beginning at 11:30AM.

In lieu of flowers, you are invited to make a contribution to the Bernice Meyer Scholarship Fund of the Golden Gate Boys Choir and Bellringers (GGBCBR) care of 480 Larchmont Street., Hayward, CA 94544, or in the envelopes provided at services.

May she rest in peace!