Bernice Mary (Berni) Divine

Bernice was born July 26, 1938, in Detroit, MI to Elmer and Mayme Roggenbuck. Her family moved to the 240-acre farm in Harbor Beach when she was 10. There she worked on the dairy farm and helped raise her younger siblings. Bernice graduated from Our Lady of Lake Huron High School in 1956 and then attended Central Michigan University for a semester.

In 1965, she started working as a reservation agent for United Airlines in Detroit. In 1967, she transferred to the Denver office and met Gary while skiing at her favorite ski resort, Winter Park. She continued skiing until about 7 years ago. She and Gary were married on July 3, 1968, and lived in their Aurora home for 56 years. She loved to work in her fruit, vegetable, and rose gardens. She made the best strawberry, grape and raspberry jam, and her pickles were treasured by family and friends. Bernice and Gary adopted 3 children, a testament to her tireless pro-life spirit. Fighting for an end to abortion kept her busy giving speeches at schools, directing school prolife contests, and working for causes in her precinct. She served for over 27 years in the Ambassador Program at DIA airport. Her 30-year career with United Airlines allowed her family to travel the world. She was always eager for the next trip! Over the last several summers, her family made lots of great memories with trips to Utah and Michigan.

Bernice was an adventurous woman who loved to explore many states and countries, ride rollercoasters, and go white water rafting – even when the ‘rules’ said she was too old! She and Gary loved to play cards. Over the years, they were members of several bridge groups. She was able to play 2 weeks before she died. She loved her 7 grandchildren and played a special part in each of their lives. She always knew how to put the “magic” into everyday normal life, making the mundane something special to be treasured.

Bernice loved our Lord and our Lady. She had many great friends with whom she often prayed at church. So many of her friends came to see her when she was homebound for the last 6 months. Mom's favorite goodbye was ‘See you in the funnies!” We will miss you dearly, Berni, Mom, Busha.

Bernice is survived by her husband, Gary. Her children Jo (Kris) Golden, Heather (Maurice) Seubert, and Craig Divine. Grandchildren Madison, Casey, Catherine, John, Gabe, Emily, Gary. She will be missed by her surviving siblings: Kenneth (Christine) Roggenbuck, Marvin (Linda) Roggenbuck, Eugene (Vicki) Roggenbuck, and Jeannette Kepple. She also cherished her godsons: Gary Roggenbuck, Vincent and Donovan Blackner, and Paul Arangua. Her parents and older brother, Elmer “George” Roggenbuck, preceded her in death.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Marisol Family (formerly Gabriel House), 6240 Smith Rd. Denver CO 80216