Bernice Cheshire died expressing gratitude for a life full of blessings. Born Christmas Eve in Willard, Utah to Emma Davis Facer and Willard Facer, Bernice was the youngest of five children (Mattie, Bonnie, Reid, Edna). She loved and honored her parents and was exceptionally close to her three sisters. The Facer girls were best friends throughout their lives. When a flood devastated the family farm in 1923, the Facers moved to Salt Lake City, and six-year-old Bernice began life as a "city girl." She loved riding the trolley, shopping, and going to movies. She attended East High and the University of Utah, where she joined Delta Delta Delta sorority.
Bernice married Richard (Dick) Cheshire for time and eternity, and together they built a life centered on family and the gospel of Jesus Christ. They were a team. They considered their greatest accomplishment raising their daughters, Sherrie and Shanna.
Bernice learned to sew from her mother, a professional seamstress, and passed that skill to her own daughters and granddaughters. Using her talent, which included bound buttonholes and French seams, she kept herself and her family dressed in the latest styles.
Bernice loved the English language. She composed thousands of letters and notes, each an example of her meticulous penmanship, precision with language, and distinct linguistic style. Her family and friends cherish these expressions of love.
She was an excellent cook. Her French Breakfast Puffs and caramel brownies are legendary. When her grandchildren served missions, she wrapped these treats in layers and layers of plastic wrap and shipped them all over the world. Both her careful packaging and her baked goods made the recipients smile.
Bernice recognized beauty in all things. She rejoiced in the new life of spring. She relished working in her garden and was always happy on her hands and knees "getting after the weeds." She loved to travel and expressed amazement that she, a girl from Willard, had stood on Mars Hill, seen the sun set in Crete, and picked lavender in Provence.
Always active, she regularly joined her children and grandchildren for ski days at Brighton and Alta. Into her eighties, she rode her bike with Dick to the University of Utah campus. Her daily walks provided both exercise and the chance to greet her neighbors on Blaine Avenue. She loved her neighbors and ward family and appreciated their many kindnesses to her.
Bernice worked as a bookkeeper and as Dr. Robert Hall's office manager, but she most enjoyed her career as a mother. She created a home that attracted family and friends and welcomed grandchildren and great-grandchildren for parties, backyard picnics, and sleepovers. Among her grandchildren she is remembered as the stealthy champion of Uno, quietly laying down her cards and saying, \"Well, I guess I won!\" She loved to gather her daughters, granddaughters, sisters and nieces for long luncheons marked by good food and laughter. When her sisters passed away, Bernice continued to love and nurture their children and grandchildren as her own.
Gratitude for family and life's abundance was the theme of Bernice's life. She always thanked Heavenly Father for his goodness to her. In difficult times she often began her prayer, "We are thankful that we are as well as we are." She inspired all of us to count our blessings.
She faithfully fulfilled callings in the LDS Church and particularly enjoyed the fifteen years she and Dick served together in the Salt Lake Temple. She diligently studied the scriptures and had a deep testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the plan of salvation. We are grateful for her legacy of cheerful, faithful, and obedient endurance, and we know she is enjoying a happy reunion with her husband, parents, siblings, and many friends.
Survived by: Sherrie (Richard N.) Southwick, Shanna (Elbert M.) Dansie, nine grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 5 at 11:00 a.m. in the Foothill 2nd Ward, 1930 South 2100 East. Friends may call Friday from 6-8 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary, 260 South Temple, or from 10-10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church. Interment at Salt Lake City Cemetery.
