Bernice Marie Smith, age 76, of Prior Lake, passed peacefully on Saturday, October 31, 2020, at McKenna Crossing, in Prior Lake.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, November 5, at 11 am, with a visitation one–hour prior, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake. A private family burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, in Minneapolis, MN.

Bernice graced this world on February 17, 1944, at the Swedish Hospital (now Hennepin County Medical Center), in Minneapolis, MN. She was the youngest of three children to Glendive and Lillian (Thiel) Nelson. Bernice grew up on the family dairy farm learning the true value of hard work and dedication. She also formed a solid foundation for a love of animals, especially cats and dogs. Bernice enjoyed participating in 4H, show casing her talents of sewing and crocheting. She also followed in her mother’s footsteps becoming a gifted cook preparing full course meals. Bernice graduated from Pine City High School in 1962.

Moving to the Twin Cities area, she worked various jobs, with most of the years in accounts payable and as a receptionist. In her earlier years, Bernice also helped with the family’s two hardware stores, where she took care of the bookkeeping. Besides her career, Bernice was also a devoted wife and mother. In 1964, she married Fred Bailey. Many years later, Bernice remarried, this time to Dennis Smith. We must not forget being an amazing mother to Douglas and Clifford.

Family remained most important in Bernice’s life. She was most content being circled around family, especially enjoying a meal Bernice just prepared. Besides family, Bernice also enjoyed watching and cheering on the Minnesota Wild and the Coyotes, with Doug at her side.

Bernice took amazing care of her family. She kept a meticulous and organized home. Throughout life, Bernice kept a deep love towards animals, hockey, cooking, sewing and crocheting. She will remembered in the hearts of her son, Douglas; daughter-in-law, Patti Bailey; grandchildren, Emily Goodwin, Michelle Bailey, Chad Bailey, Nick Bailey; great grandchildren, Perla, Angelo, Xavier, Lilly, Charles; sister-in-law, Carol Nelson; nieces and nephews., Greg (Deb) Nelson, Nancy (Mike) Schauer, Bruce Nelson, Deanna (Steve) Johnson, Christine (Dan) Schultze, Philip Nelson, Erica (Bryan) Kunze, other relatives and friends.

There greeting Bernice home in Heaven is her husband, Dennis Smith; son, Clifford Bailey; brothers, Wayne (Betty) Nelson and Philip Nelson.

Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation proudly served and cared for the Smith family.

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