Martha Bernard

Martha Rose (Netter) Bernard, 91, passed to her heavenly home surrounded by her family on June 23, 2007. She was born in Port Huron, Michigan on August 2, 1915 to William and Elizabeth Netter. She is the youngest of seven children, Agnes Reckker, Cecil Netter, Ethel Powers, Delton Netter, William Bernard Netter, and Beatrice Frumveller, and is survived by William Bernard. She graduated from St. Stephen High School in 1934. Martha and Floyd Anthony Bernard were married at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Port Huron, where both were life-long members, on January 2, 1943. Floyd was City Editor and Editorial Page Editor at the Port Huron Times Herald before retiring, and entered his heavenly home on February 1, 1994. They are both survived by their 4 children and their families: Barbara Bernard Butler (son-in-law Jack passed February 20, 2005) of Ann arbor; Anne Marie (Michael) Davich of Haslett; Ruth (James) Galloway of Ann Arbor; Joe (Kathy) Bernard of Marysville; and 5 grandchildren and their families: Andrea (William) Schroeder; David (Emily) Davich; Julia Bernard (fiance Timothy Tyrrell); Steven Davich; Holly Bernard (fiance Matthew Thibert). Great grandchild Ella Rose Tyrrell and baby boy Schroeder not yet born. The two centers of Martha's life were family and faith. Her devotion and pride in her immediate and extended family was sensed across the generations. Their home always had an open door, a comfortable living room to visit in, and a bed for out-of-town guests. She was a life-long member of St. Joseph's Parish, and an active member of the Christian Mothers for decades. Her many rosaries were in daily use, some of which were made by Floyd. Martha had worked at Chrysler's and at Mercy Hospital; Martha also served for many years as a volunteer at Mercy Hospital. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday in St. Joseph Catholic Church. The Rev. Stephen C. Reckker, Pastor of St. Clement Parish, Romeo will officiate. Burial will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Visiting hours are 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home and 10 a.m. Thursday at the church. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. on Wednesday evening. Memorials may be sent in her name to St. Johns Hospice, St. Joseph's Parish or to the Mercy Hospital Foundation.