Bernice Caldwell

Bernice Caldwell August 13, 1940 - August 15, 2023 Wenatchee, Washington LIFE OF BERNICE Bernice Caldwell passed away August 15, 2023, in Wenatchee of an extended illness. Bernice was born in Pateros, WA, on August 13, 1940, to Vance and Martha Lake. The family moved from the Methow area to Seattle during the War and then to Wenatchee. When her father was drafted the family moved to Pateros to be near Bern's grandparents. The kids had the added benefit of grandparent's love, teaching and wisdom. After the War, the family moved back to Wenatchee in time for Bernice to start first grade. During Bernice's school years the family met with her mom's family most years to swim at Lake Chelan then on to Pateros for cook outs, more swimming and strawberry shortcake. Thanksgivings were in Pateros and in the early years with wrapped heated bricks for warmth and with at least one roadside stop for her dad to take a flat tire off the wheel and rim, patch and re install. In 1949 the family took a trip to San Diego in a 1937 Ford. There they visited with cousins, played in the ocean and visited the zoo. All this time without the conveniences of a telephone or a tv until Bernice was in high school. Bernice's family history on her father's side can be traced back to before the Revolutionary War and both sides of the family served in the Civil War for the Union. Bernice graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1958. After graduation she worked at SeaFirst Bank where she met her first husband Rene Standerfer. They owned and managed several businesses together in Wenatchee and Chelan before divorcing in 1974. After the divorce, Bernice and the kids moved back to Wenatchee, and she went to work for Central Washington Bank. This is where she met Jim Caldwell, her husband of 36 years. They were married in 1986 and moved to Yakima as Jim took a job with a bank there. Eventually, they owned and managed a ceramics supply distribution business which took them to Mukilteo. They retired in 2004 and moved back to Wenatchee. At this point she and Jim took her dad in to live with them for his last 10 years and included him in all activities. They loved to travel and took many trips before and after her dad lived with them. They especially enjoyed river cruises and visiting family wherever far-flung place they lived. And of course, they were "Snowbirds" spending winters in Sun City West where they made many dear friends. Bernice was full of energy and had a passion for "projects"; she always wanted to be busy. Over the years she recognized, improved on and used her natural skills: baking, pottery, knitting, calligraphy, watercolor, oil paint, stained glass, sewing, Interior decorating, and hand painted greeting cards. Don't forget gardening, she found calming and comfort in gardening, even weeding. She and Jim were gracious hosts with many friends wherever they lived, always helping with food and whatever they could. Her house was always open, particularly if guests brought small dogs or grand babies, but you were always expected to play cards, Fastrack, or a number of other games. She had a quick wit and surprised many with her quips and banter, often leaving the group in tears of laughter. Most of all, Bernice is known for her love and lived her life showing people just how much she loved them. Whether it was running a business, working on one of her many hobbies, helping one of her family or friends through a difficult season, or hosting folks for dinner and cards, she always made time for the people in her life. Bernice was fiercely loyal to her friends and family. She went the extra mile to care for the people she loved, for example taking in her niece and nephew while being a single mom raising two kids on her own. The adage "What goes around comes around" comes to mind as evidenced by the amazing support she received from family and friends as she fought to overcome her long-term illness. Support she felt truly blessed, thankful, and very appreciative to have received. Bernice was preceded in death by her parents and her husband James (Jim) Caldwell. She is survived by her brother, Bert Lake (Bev) of Benton City, her former husband Rene Standerfer and their children son Kevin Standerfer (Cindy) of Kettle Falls, daughter Kim Lammers of Wenatchee, and step sons Jim Caldwell Jr. (Sheryl) of Wenatchee, and Jeff Caldwell (Tami) of Lady Lake FL, grandchildren Josh Standerfer, Jimmy Caldwell, Devon Caldwell, Bo Yackley, Josh Caldwell (Ashley), Colten Kruger(Brandie), Megan Guynn (Josh), Jessica Leger (Sean), Laken Johansen (Leon) and 12 great grandchildren. There is an old saying of unknown origin: "Count your life by smiles not tears, count your age by friends, not years." The author may have had Bernice in mind. A Memorial is planned for 12pm on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 15 Loon Lane, Rock Island, WA. Please contact Kim Lammers at 425-870-1875 for questions regarding the memorial.