Bernice (Anderson) Hynes

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Hynes (Anderson), Bernice Bernice died in her own bed on September 26 at 3:56 p.m. She was 95 years old and living independently at St. Therese of Oxbow despite macular degeneration and neuropathy. Bernice was a loving, non-judgmental, and supportive mother, wife and friend. Her ability to listen with love was inspirational. She was married to Clarence (Shorty) for over seventy years and when he died in January of this year, she was eager to join him. Bernice was bright and engaged from early on. She was in National Honor Society during high school and gave all of her children strong encouragement for furthering our education. She became an RN and worked at Abbott Hospital in Minneapolis until having her children. While raising five children as a homemaker (NOT a housewife, as she stated emphatically) she was involved with many outside causes as an activist for peace and justice, and as a caregiver. She joined Befrienders, a listening ministry of lay pastoral care. She became a chairperson for the Social Ministry and Justice Committee at St. Margaret Mary's Church. Leading this committee she worked with immigrants, the poor, and the homeless, coordinating with Catholic Charities. She also marched for these causes at rallies around the Twin Cities. She chaired Dinner at your Door. She was a board member of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and a member of St. Margaret Mary's Church Council. Additionally, she was involved with grant writing, school nursing, and Eucharistic Ministry. She did caretaking of her own parents and of our dad's family members. Bernice always led people toward peace, justice and love. Mom shared with us that being a mother and wife were two of her goals from early on. She excelled at both and taught all of us a love for learning and travel, because she spoke, and wrote journals, sharing the experiences she and dad had all over the world. She and Shorty had an abiding love and respect for each other and a truly incredible relationship. We only learned after dad's death that whenever they held hands, they squeezed each others' hand 3 times in a signal for "I love you." She modeled mutual respect for everyone and taught us about love by unconditionally loving all. What's left to do is stated in her favorite poem by Emily Dickinson, "A Bustle in the House." ". . . The Morning after Death The Sweeping up the Heart And Putting Love away We shall not want to use again Until Eternity." Bernice leaves behind her adult children: Barbara, Kathleen, Joanne, David and Patricia. She leaves nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She also leaves extended family, dear friends, and caretakers. Mass of Christian Burial Friday (10/1), 11 AM with visitation starting at 10 AM at Church of St. Margaret Mary, 2301 Zenith Ave. No., Golden Valley. Please visit the churches website smm-gv.org for streaming information. Memorials preferred to donor's choice of charities. gearty-delmore.com Robbinsdale 763-537-4511

Published on September 29, 2021