Bernice E. Bainbridge of Coupeville passed away unexpectedly with her husband and son at her side Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, just shy of her 40th wedding anniversary.

Bernice was born June 10, 1948 in Anacortes. She was the youngest of six children born to Chuck and Bernice Bates. She attended Anacortes schools and graduated from Anacortes High School in 1966. Bernice retired in 1999 after serving 28 years with the Island County Treasurer’s Office.

In 1971, Bernice was diagnosed with cancer. During surgery, she was given tainted blood in a blood transfusion and contracted Hepatitis C, a chronic liver virus. In 2002, Bernice received a liver transplant at the University of Washington. She celebrated another 11 years of life due to her special donor.

Bernice was active in many things. She especially loved to dance, bowl and travel until her health slowed her down. She collected records from the ’50s and ’60s rock and roll. She amassed thousands of records over her lifetime. Bernice and her husband enjoyed playing these at “Sock – Hops,” class reunions and charity events. Bernice also loved Elvis and gathered a huge collection over the years. She has visited Elvis’s estate Graceland in Tennessee many times.

Bernice was a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be truly missed by those who know and loved her. Preceded in death by her parents, Chuck and Bernice Bates, and her brothers, Earl, Carl and Kenny. Bernice is survived by her husband, Bill of Coupeville; son, Roger of Coupeville; daughter, Sandy (Craig) Timms of Tennessee; four grandchildren, Ashley, Lacey, Cassie and Billy; and eight great-grandchildren. Bernice is also survived by her sister, Phyllis (Chuck) Moore of Anacortes; and brother Chuck (Ella Mae) of Arizona.

There will be a celebration of life for Bernice 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Living Hope Foursquare Church in Coupeville with Pastor Garrett Arnold officiating. Services have been entrusted to the care of Burley Funeral Chapel.