Bernice V. (Taskila) Shiroda

PHOENIX, Ariz. — Bernice Shiroda, 89, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 1, 2013, in Phoenix.

She was born in Toivola, Mich., on Aug. 8, 1923, to William and Ingrid (Laurila) Taskila. She spent her childhood between Toivola and Detroit.

Bernice joined the Army and served in the medical corps. After her discharge, she returned to the Copper Country where she was married to Norbert Shiroda. Thus began a long and eventful life of raising a family and moving with the job. They eventually landed in Ironwood, Mich., and spent many years there. They began spending the winter vacation in Arizona, and after a brief stay in Iron Mountain, Mich., they moved to the Phoenix area.

Bernice enjoyed playing bridge with the ladies on Tuesday, as well as bowling, softball and snowmobiling in the winter, and they loved to travel. Once they moved to Arizona, golf became the sport of choice, and later on, the Friday night card game with the rest of the seniors. Summers were spent between Arizona and the Midwest, visiting with relatives and friends. Not a casino was missed on those journeys.

Bernice joins her husband, Norbert; and son, Bill; as well as her daughters, Mari and Sandy.

She is survived by her daughter, Sue (Joe) Carey, of Scottsdale and Durango, Colo .; her son, Joe (Bryan), of Payson; her grandson, Jason Norman, of Mesa; and son-in-law, Greg Norman, of Indiana. In addition, she is survived by her brother-in-law, Babe Shiroda; sister-in-law, Evelyn Shiroda; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She will be especially missed by the families of Loyal and Reino Taskila and the Kelly family as well.

Cremation has taken place and a service will be held this summer in Ironwood.

Interment for Norbert and Bernice will be held in Houghton, Mich.

Bernice lived a long and active life and was loved by many. She will be missed, but now she is home with her Lord and all that have gone before.