Bernice Mansfield (Noble) Martin

Bernice M. Martin passed away on October 5, 2018, at age 90.  She was born in Middlesborough, England, to James and Clara Hill and immigrated to America in 1939, shortly after World War II began in Europe.  She is survived by her daughters Janice Barney (Donald) and Deborah Curras (Al); grandchildren Garrick Galvez (Jennifer), Richard Galvez (Christina), and Erin Galvez (Josh); great-grandchildren Kayla, Dulcinea, Garrick Jr. and Gabriel, and sister-in-law Sharon Garrett.  Bernice was also close to her step-daughter Cynthia Martin Cook (Scott).  She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Eric Hill, William Hill and Sidney Garrett; and husbands Delbert G. Noble and William M. Martin, Col USAF Ret.  Bernice graduated from Chaffey High School in Ontario, CA, and Chaffey College where she met her first husband, Del Noble.  She completed her bachelor's degree at La Verne College and began her 30-year career as an educator.  She taught at Emperor Elementary in Temple City; Sierra View in Chico; and several schools in the San Juan Unified School District, Winterstein Elementary, Oakview Elementary, Pershing Elementary, and Barrett Junior High; eventually becoming the librarian at La Sierra High School in 1972.  She retired in 1983 when La Sierra was closed.  After retirement, Bernice and her second husband, Bill Martin, traveled extensively to Asia and Europe.  After Bill's death in 1995, she continued to travel, including trips to Russia, Greece, Turkey and Germany.  She was a member of the Arts Service Group that raised funds for the Crocker Museum, was a docent at the Stanford Mansion, and sang for many years with the Fair Oaks Village Singers.  From 1981 to 2015, Bernice was the Scholarship Chair of the Military Officers Association, Sacramento Chapter, that granted over $100,000 to military dependents.  

Friends are welcome for visitation on Thursday, October 11, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Price Funeral Chapel, 6335 Sunrise Blvd., Citrus Heights (916-725-2109) and are invited to the funeral service on Friday, October 12, at 2:00 p.m. at St. George Episcopal Church, 5600 Winding Way, Carmichael.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date this fall. 

The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Mercy San Juan Hospital and her neighbors Dr. Fred Walsh and his wife Gretchen for being part of Team Bernice.  Donations in her name can be made to the Mercy Foundation, MOAA Scholarship Fund or a charity of your choice

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