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A. Bernice Anderson, age 87, of 1600 Mill Creek Court, Marquette, passed away Friday evening, September 16, 2011, at her residence.

Born March 10, 1924 in Chatham, a daughter of Axel and Sophie (Johnson) Parkkila, Bernice was raised in Chatham and graduated from the Eben High School in 1942. The days were World War II years and she, like many others, went to work in defense plants in Detroit and elsewhere. When the Cadet Nurse Corps was created, Bernice proudly signed, about to begin her nursing education at St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing. Being in the Cadet Corps, they were the first to get some of their necessary education at Northern Teacher's College (now NMU) and she was a member of the first graduating class. In 1946, upon his return from serving in the Army Air Corps, she married Herb Anderson, and together they raised three sons, Bill, John, and David. Bernice stayed at home with them until they were old enough to attend school, after which she returned to nursing.

Bernice was a part of the first nursing staff at St. Luke's Hospital (now Marquette General Hospital) and later worked in the Children's Clinic and in the hospital's central supply. During her professional career, she was an active participant at all levels, local, state, and national, and received an honorary Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from NMU. Although she retired in 1984, she remained active in the community. She worked at Beacon House and also on the North Country Trail, a hiking trail from New York to North Dakota helping groom and maintain it for younger generations to enjoy. She also volunteered at Bay Cliff Health Camp in Big Bay and mentored children at Whitman Elementary School, stressing the importance of being active to the younger generations. In later years, she greatly enjoyed going to her camp, and traveling to many places including Alaska, Panama, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. She remained active and healthy by walking, hiking, and enjoying nature. Bernice was a member of the Elba Morse Retired Nurse's Association and the North Country Trail Association.

Survivors include her sons, William H. Anderson, John (Allyssa) Anderson, and David (Nancy) Anderson all of Marquette; her grandchildren, Mark (Dierdre) Anderson of Portland, OR and Kelly Anderson of Renton, WA; her sister, Sarah Williams of Munising; and brother, H. Elmer Parkkila of Marquette; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bernice was preceded in death by her father, Alex Parkkila in 1935; mother, Sophie in 1985; husband, Herb in 1985; a sister-in-law, Alice Parkkila; and brother-in-law, Sonny Williams.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home on Friday, September 23, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Services celebrating Bernice's life will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Steve Hulke officiating. Burial will be made in the Northland Chapel Gardens.

Memorials may be directed to North Country Trail Association C/O Lorana A. Jinkerson, 1830 Altamont Street, Marquette, MI 49855 or UP Home Health and Hospice, 829 Croix Street, Negaunee, MI 49866.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.swansonlundquistfuneralhome.com.