Annette Bernard

In loving memory of Annette Bernard, Age 87, of Long Beach, Washington who passed away peacefully on Oct 24th, 2023 at Ocean Beach Hospital.

Annette was born Oct 22, 1936 in Ironwood, Michigan to William and Lydia Piispanen.  She was an only child but had several cousins that she claimed as sisters. Annette Bernard is survived by her three children, Donald Bernard Jr.  (Victoria Bernard), Carole Bernard, Sharon Law, and two grandchildren, J.E.B. and Annie Law.  

After moving from Ironwood, Michigan as a child, the family moved to Southern California where Annette grew up and graduated from Washington High School.  She met and married her highschool  sweetheart, Donald Bernard.   Annette and Donald Bernard were married for 67 years before Donald passed away December 29,  2020.  After graduating, Annette and Donald started a family and raised three children.  Annette was a homemaker and worked as an  office manager for a Non Profit Organization that helped developmentally disabled children.  She also went to college and received an AA degree from Los Angeles Southwest College in  CA. 

Annette was 100 % Finnish and proud of her heritage.  She was the definition of the Finnish word Sisu -  meaning she was a strong woman with grit and fortitude.   She loved her family, and enjoyed hosting parties where the whole family would gather and celebrate.

Annette and Donald  moved to Long Beach, WA in 2019 where they loved the small town and  friendly lifestyle.  The beauty and slow pace is what they were looking for and found in Long Beach.  Annette was social and loved talking to people.  She was known for her dazzling smile that would light up every room she walked in to.  She had a big heart, enjoyed life, and loved to find humor in the smallest things. She will be greatly missed by family and friends but she will be joining her lifelong sweetheart to continue their love story in the afterlife. 

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 4700 Pacific Way, Seaview, Washington to celebrate Annette’s life will be held on January 27th, 2024 at 10:00 AM.