Bernice May Fragapane

We are deeply saddened and with great reverence and love we acknowledge our Mother’s passing on Sunday March 22, 2020. Bernice was born on June 14, 1931 in Ontario, Oregon to Alfred and Frances McConnell. She spent her early years in and around Arock and Jordan Valley, Oregon. The family had brief moves to Hoquiam, WA, Dallas, OR and Nyssa, OR before settling in Ontario. She graduated from Ontario high school in 1950 and faithfully remained in contact with classmates over the years. While working at Vogt Transfer, she met George Miller and they married on July 3, 1951. They made Ontario their home where they raised four children. They later divorced. She married Ray Fragapane in Caldwell, ID in 1982. Together they opened the Color Center, a small business, establishing countless business associates, and most importantly many long-lasting friendships.
Bernice followed the activities of her children and grandchildren with love and enthusiasm. Many gyms were adorned with her bag of yarn as she crocheted, never missing a play or a stitch.
She belonged to painting groups where she perfected her artistic talents and remained a constant self-critic even after putting away the brushes.
Through traveling with family, and vicariously through books, she experienced the world. She was an avid reader who filled her home with books on virtually every topic.
She took pride in her manicured and polished nails. It remained a struggle to find the perfect stylist to meet her standards, and Shelly emerged as the front runner who responded well to her cantankerous instructions. The weekly trips to the beauty shop always delivered glowing compliments – a tribute to Betty’s professional gentle touch.
Bernice shared her sassy wit and mischievous grin with anyone. She very much enjoyed social events, but not as the center of attention. She truly cherished time with family and friends. And when her memories began to fade, she continued to smile, laugh, and embrace life.
Our family sends along our deepest appreciation to Mom’s caregivers from Encompass Hospice who walked along side of her these last few months.
In loving memory, we celebrate her life and are appreciative of her many roles as mom, grandma, and great-grandma. Bernice is survived by: four children (and in-laws): Bruce (Chris) Miller, Robert Miller, Karen (Gary) Kohring, and Teresa Miller (Carl Seagrave), six grandchildren: Jeremy (Lindsay), Melissa, Amber (Derrick), Ben (Heather), Katie (Steve), and Brett; and eleven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Elaine Lloyd, and Ray Fragapane.

There will be a memorial service at a later date to be announced.

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