Bernice Claire (Gartrell) Linn

Bernice Claire (Gartrell) Linn — our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, partner, confidante, advisor and longtime helper — left this life Aug. 9, 2013 in Anchorage at the age of 82 of complications encountered following earlier surgery.

Her life was filled with wonderful personal contacts with people from many walks of life and several areas of this globe we inhabit. Her ability to make nearly instant interpersonal contact with new acquaintances was a gift and a blessing until her final hours.

Her family wishes to thank the many people who were in contact with her during her stays as caregivers, visitors, callers, card senders and well-wishers. A number of you went far beyond the normal bounds of treatment and kindness, and we want you to know how much that was appreciated, both at the time and, now, in our memories.

She was born March 4, 1931 in Oakland, Calif., and spent most of the following years through college in Portland, Ore. Following marriage in 1954, she became an Alaskan on a Palmer farm.

As a long-term counselor at Palmer High School, her greatest joy was in noting advances in her students’ abilities to identify and “reach upward” toward new goals. After retirement in 1988, she continued to be on alert for news of past students’ current successes and activities.

She leaves behind husband Allan; sons Kevin (Steffanie) and Kelly (Kathryn); brothers Jay (Sue), Don (Marydean) and Bill (Sharon); grandchildren KC (Elissa), Karlea (Travis) and Kara (Leo); and four great-grandchildren.

At her request, no services will be held and her ashes will be delivered to the Pacific Ocean at the Oregon coast. Anyone wishing to make donations is encouraged to do so to an institution of their choice.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Cremation Society of Alaska.