Bernice Klein
December 24, 1926 — September 8, 2021
Bernice Virginia Klein, 94 of Mt. Airy, MD went home to spend eternity with her Lord and Savior on September 8, 2021. Born on Christmas Eve, 1926 in Brunswick, MD she was the daughter of Roy Hedges Crowl and Hazel Boyer Crowl. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, David N. Klein, Sr. Together, they had farmed near Harrisville since their marriage in 1947 until his passing in 2000. They were both members of Locust Grove Church of the Brethren, serving in many areas of church leadership including numerous years as Deacons. Bernice also taught Sunday and Bible School classes and led Bible Studies for many years. Along with her close friend, Pauline Wright, she enjoyed planning and organizing yearly bus trips for church member and friends.
Bernice was deeply religious and compassionate woman, reaching out in service and friendship to all whom she met. Following her high school graduation, she entered the Frederick Memorial Hospital nurse’s training program and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1947. It was at this time that she met her future husband. He was a cousin of a fellow nursing student, Fanny Anderson, When they had first met, Fannie had quickly become a new “Best Friend” to Bernice and from this point forward David would be the “Flame”. Both girls would marry soon after graduation and the two couples would soon develop a close friendship that would remain in place all their lives.
Following graduation, Bernice worked at Frederick Memorial Hospital for a number of years until her responsibilities as a wife and mother of two young children called her to spend more time on the family farm. She would continue to provide in-home nursing care for a number of years when circumstances allowed. Perhaps her most challenging and rewarding nursing experiences occurred while she was taking care of her husband, David, and both her mother and mother-in-law simultaneously during their various illnesses in the 1990’s
Bernice leaves behind two children, Rebecca Klein of Richmond, VA and David N. Klein, Jr. (Donnis) of Mt. Airy, MD. Also two grandchildren, Robin Koerner (Keith) of Louisville, KY and Aaron Klein (Katcale) of Staunton, VA. In addition there are four great-grandchildren, Bailey Henniges, Conner Henniges, Kaya Klein and Patrick Klein and one brother-in-law, Robert Klein(Joyce). She was predeceased by her parents and her lone sibling Roy Lee Crowl(Winifred).
Just as Bernice touch many people during her sojourn through life, so has she also experienced that same loving touch herself. Three individuals in particular have proved to be invaluable friends in her declining years.
Sherman Tressler worked on the farm as a laborer for a number of years beginning when he was a teenager. Later, after retiring from the Maryland School for the Deaf, he returned to help out on the farm when David’s health became a serious issue, He came back for a single season but has stayed for 22 years (and counting?). He has called Bernice “Mother” for many years, considering her to he is second mom. He in turn, has been a “son’ to Bernice and a “brother” to the other family members.
Terri Coleman came into Bernice’s life as her mail carrier. They talked often when she passed through and became good friends in a short time. When Terri retired from the post office and Bernice was suffering some mobility and health issues, Terri agreed to help out part-time in the care of Bernice and the management of the household. Bernice’s physical struggles would continue to mount but Terri always seemed to find a way to draw a grin or a smile from her. Bernice, during her more challenging final weeks, took to calling her “Sharey Sunshine” when she would enter the room where Bernice or other family members have needed it most. Perhaps she should have been a caregiver rather that a mail carrier all along!
Debbie Rippeon, a cousin, spent the winter of Bernice’s last season on earth living in the downstairs apartment. One might say she “kept the fires burning” as she fueled the woodstove that helped keep the house warm. She also spent many hours sitting and chatting with Bernice and fixing evening meals. Her Presence at night gave the family members the opportunity to sleep in their own homes and in their own beds while being re-assured that Bernice was being cared for 24/7.
To these and to many others whom she befriended and loved Bernice over the years, the Klein family members are extremely grateful. Blessings to you all as your own journey continues.
The Family of Bernice Virginia Klein
The family will receive friends Saturday, September 11, 2012 2 PM to 4 PM at BURRIER-QUEEN FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, P.A., 1212 W. Old Liberty Rd. Sykesville, MD 21784 and Sunday, September 12, 2021 2 PM at Locust Grove Church of the Brethren, 13356 Glissans Mill Rd. Mount Airy, MD 21771. until time of Funeral Services at 3 PM. Interment will be in church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Locust Grove Church of the Brethren, Locust Grove Cemetery Fund or the Heifer Project International, www.Heifer.org Online condolences at www.burrier-queen.com
Bernice was deeply religious and compassionate woman, reaching out in service and friendship to all whom she met. Following her high school graduation, she entered the Frederick Memorial Hospital nurse’s training program and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1947. It was at this time that she met her future husband. He was a cousin of a fellow nursing student, Fanny Anderson, When they had first met, Fannie had quickly become a new “Best Friend” to Bernice and from this point forward David would be the “Flame”. Both girls would marry soon after graduation and the two couples would soon develop a close friendship that would remain in place all their lives.
Following graduation, Bernice worked at Frederick Memorial Hospital for a number of years until her responsibilities as a wife and mother of two young children called her to spend more time on the family farm. She would continue to provide in-home nursing care for a number of years when circumstances allowed. Perhaps her most challenging and rewarding nursing experiences occurred while she was taking care of her husband, David, and both her mother and mother-in-law simultaneously during their various illnesses in the 1990’s
Bernice leaves behind two children, Rebecca Klein of Richmond, VA and David N. Klein, Jr. (Donnis) of Mt. Airy, MD. Also two grandchildren, Robin Koerner (Keith) of Louisville, KY and Aaron Klein (Katcale) of Staunton, VA. In addition there are four great-grandchildren, Bailey Henniges, Conner Henniges, Kaya Klein and Patrick Klein and one brother-in-law, Robert Klein(Joyce). She was predeceased by her parents and her lone sibling Roy Lee Crowl(Winifred).
Just as Bernice touch many people during her sojourn through life, so has she also experienced that same loving touch herself. Three individuals in particular have proved to be invaluable friends in her declining years.
Sherman Tressler worked on the farm as a laborer for a number of years beginning when he was a teenager. Later, after retiring from the Maryland School for the Deaf, he returned to help out on the farm when David’s health became a serious issue, He came back for a single season but has stayed for 22 years (and counting?). He has called Bernice “Mother” for many years, considering her to he is second mom. He in turn, has been a “son’ to Bernice and a “brother” to the other family members.
Terri Coleman came into Bernice’s life as her mail carrier. They talked often when she passed through and became good friends in a short time. When Terri retired from the post office and Bernice was suffering some mobility and health issues, Terri agreed to help out part-time in the care of Bernice and the management of the household. Bernice’s physical struggles would continue to mount but Terri always seemed to find a way to draw a grin or a smile from her. Bernice, during her more challenging final weeks, took to calling her “Sharey Sunshine” when she would enter the room where Bernice or other family members have needed it most. Perhaps she should have been a caregiver rather that a mail carrier all along!
Debbie Rippeon, a cousin, spent the winter of Bernice’s last season on earth living in the downstairs apartment. One might say she “kept the fires burning” as she fueled the woodstove that helped keep the house warm. She also spent many hours sitting and chatting with Bernice and fixing evening meals. Her Presence at night gave the family members the opportunity to sleep in their own homes and in their own beds while being re-assured that Bernice was being cared for 24/7.
To these and to many others whom she befriended and loved Bernice over the years, the Klein family members are extremely grateful. Blessings to you all as your own journey continues.
The Family of Bernice Virginia Klein
The family will receive friends Saturday, September 11, 2012 2 PM to 4 PM at BURRIER-QUEEN FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, P.A., 1212 W. Old Liberty Rd. Sykesville, MD 21784 and Sunday, September 12, 2021 2 PM at Locust Grove Church of the Brethren, 13356 Glissans Mill Rd. Mount Airy, MD 21771. until time of Funeral Services at 3 PM. Interment will be in church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Locust Grove Church of the Brethren, Locust Grove Cemetery Fund or the Heifer Project International, www.Heifer.org Online condolences at www.burrier-queen.com
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