Bernice Benally DePaul

Bernice DePaul (Benally), died October 23, 2013 Tacoma, WA. She was born October 27, 1930 Crown point, New Mexico of the tribe “Dine’’” meaning “Children of the Holy People”, Never knowing her mother who died when she was an infant and knowing her father from an “X” he left on a piece of paper when giving her to, the Good Shepherd Mission of Ft Defiance, Arizona, at age two years old, Bernice was one of the children who they called “Three In A Row” she was not just a part of History she was the American History which is documented. During Bernice’s youth she continued on at the Good Shepherd mission/boarding school also attending government schools. Later into her maturity, 1954, she resided in Colorado Springs, where she met her husband John J. DePaul, while he was serving in the Army. Together they created a home for their three children surrounding us with faith, strength, security, and love. Bernice was her husband’s, income-helpmate while employed with various nursing homes through Tacoma, WA. One particle nursing home where she was employed was Heritage Nursing Home of Tacoma, WA. While her children went to live their own lives she comforted her husband until he died in 1986. Bernice went on to continue her education and achieved a goal as a Certified Nursing Aid. Employed with Puyallup Tribe as a CNA, a care giver to Puyallup Tribe- Elders. Bernice was very passionate with all the elderly people she cared for, from the gentleness of combing their hair to the great food she would prepare. Bernice was also a women of faith, a child practicing the Episcopal religion then converted over to her Husband’s Catholic faith. Enjoying life through cooking, Bingo, Music (oldies, R&B, soul, rock n roll, and mariachi), Cumbia dance was a must from time to time and Socializing with her closes friends over a glass of wine, brought her a lot of joy with fond memories. Bernice was a spirit of giving to all those in need and looked at the good, rather, then the bad, and truly expected all to use good common sense. Bernice also had a wonderful love for her cats. There were many cats named “Tiger’ then came the three famous cats “Tiger #9 , Chico and CC”……..her two cats “Chico and Tiger #9 passed over and now with her. Ladies Auxiliary, VFW Tacoma, WA, Recognizes Bernice as a “Gold Circle Member” and she was very active in donating to the Human society for cats. The care which Bernice gave to all who knew her, was a beautiful feeling of love which would surround you with security, she not only gave respect but held us and gave us all our own special love. Our mother was a good women and a good friend, she was brought to us all, from G-d. She was our care giver and this, she did, with great style and passion. When her passing came she left to her children, to give to her grandchildren and great grandchildren a great gift… “The Gift of Wisdom”… to be passed on and on and on………….. Rest in Peace Our Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Cousin, Sister in law, Aunt, and friend!, …We will miss you for now - until we see you again, soon! Survivors include her Cousin(s): Rose Marie Henry-Sandoval, of East LA, California, Anita Chavez, Colorado Springs both of Good Shepherd Mission Boarding School Ft. Defiance, AZ “The Three In A Row” Sons Joseph DePaul and Tony DePaul, of Tacoma, WA Daughter, Teresa DePaul, Grandchildren Emmanuel DePaul of Holland, Gina DePaul, Gino DePaul, Olivia DePaul, Angelina DePaul, Richard DePaul Of Tacoma, WA, great Grandchildren: Diana DePaul-Hernández and Mesial DePaul of Tacoma, WA, Extended Family Sister-in –Law Marie DePaul, Aunt and Uncle In-Law Antonia Billups - Vartuli and Richard Billiups of Vermont Nieces Monica Burnham – DePaul Kathy Burnham – DePaul Nephews Michael Burnham – DePaul and Mark Burnham – DePaul of Vermont, Sister in law-Shirley DePaul Nephews Jeffery DePaul, Michael DePaul First Cousin-in- Laws Michellina DePaul-Benoit, Wallace Benoit of Colchester, Vermont Adopted family members Frank Gilletti, Mike Jackson, Joe Barcelona, and Joey manzanares. Bernice was preceded in death by her Husband John J. DePaul, Grandfather In-law PaPo DiPaola, Father and Mother in Law Deminico DePaul (DiPaola), Mary Catherina Vartuli-DePaul Brother in-law Michael DePaul Aunt in- law Fruttuosa Vartuli, Uncle In-law Sylvester Vartuli, and Raymond Vartuli School Mate Margaret Plummer of Good Shepherd Mission /Boarding School, Ft. Defiance, AZ. (The Quartettes). Viewing Thursday, November 7, 2013 @ 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Edwards Funeral Home 3005 Bridgeport Way West University Place, WA 98466 253.566.1008 Burial Friday, November 8, 2013 @ 12:00 Noon New Tacoma Cemetery 9212 Chambers Creek Road West University Place, WA 98467 253.564.1311 Pierce County Environmental Building, Rental 9850 64th Street West University Place, WA 98467 5 blocks from the New Tacoma Cemetery Welcome to bring food items from a licensed Kitchen Only Safeway, Albertson, Fred Meyer Deli, packages items: donuts, cookies, soda, water, food tray's Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizzeria's For additional information Please call 253-798-4141