Dorothy Elizabeth Bernier Nelson

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Nelson Dorothy Elizabeth Bernier Nelson, beloved mother of Patricia and Bonnie, died peacefully of natural causes on Feb. 8 at North Ridge Care Center in New Hope. She was 89. Dorothy was a rare gem. She was an adoring wife, loving mother, doting grandma and great-grandma. Her twinkling eyes, easy laugh and kind words made anyone in her presence feel special. She was the center of our world. We know that our tears are temporary, but the imprint Dorothy has left on our hearts will last forever. She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl; her parents; her sister, Maxine; and four brothers. Dorothy was born March 16, 1914 in Chippewa Falls, Wis., to Albert and Rose Bernier. She spent all of her adult life in Minneapolis where she met and married her husband. They were married for 48 years. In 1976, Dorothy retired from Honeywell after 25 years of service. She volunteered at St. Anthony Elder Care for many years. This feisty French fireball was known for her finesse in the kitchen and learned to cook Swedish delicacies in honor of her husband's heritage. Dorothy also loved sewing, needlework, playing cards with the gang, fishing in Wisconsin lakes, daily walks and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Travel was her passion. Dorothy and Earl went on many road trips from coast to coast. After he died, Dorothy traveled to Alaska, hiked in Glacier and Yellowstone national parks, enjoyed cruises with friends and took trips to Europe. Survivors include her daughters, Patricia (Bob) Forster and Bonnie Johnson, both of Burnsville; her grandchildren Darren Johnson, Kelly Johnson (Mike Montroy), Katie (Jon) Schulz, David (Sandy) Forster, Julie Forster, Teresa (Mike) Burns; 10 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. The funeral will be at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Church of the Risen Savior, 1501 East Co. Rd 42, one mile east of 35W or 35E in Burnsville. Guests may arrive one hour before the Mass. Memorials in lieu of flowers to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Minnesota and the American Cancer Society. Special thanks to the staff at North Ridge Care Center and Beverly Woodbury.

Published on February 15, 2004