Bernice Tessier

Bernice Helene Tessier, age 96, Fargo, died at Bethany Retirement Living, Fargo, North Dakota on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 surrounded by family and under the care of Bethany and Hospice of the Red River Valley staff.

Bernice was born September 14, 1915 to Wilbrod and Josephine (Parent) Grandbois on their Wild Rice North Dakota homestead farm. She was raised on the family farm with 7 brothers and sisters, attended Prairie Grove School, and St. Benedict’s Church. On February 7, 1938 she married Andrew Tessier and moved to Fargo where she lived for until her death.

Bernice was a homemaker, a caring wife to Andrew for 70 years, a loving mother to her children and grandchildren. She was often in the kitchen preparing food, entertaining family, relatives and friends in her Fargo home and cabin on Rose Lake. Their Fargo home and the cabin often provided a temporary place to live for relatives, grandchildren and friends. Bernice was a member of St. Anthony’s Church, a volunteer at St. Vincent De Paul. Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, husband Andrew on August 24, 2008, brothers; Ronald, Clifford, Robert, Paul Grandbois, sisters; Albertine Tessier (Leon), Genevieve Denis (Alfonse) and son-in-law Wendell Keller.

Bernice is survived by 4 daughters, Jacqueline Carol Keller (Wendell), Colorado Springs, CO, Diane Bachmeier (Marvin), Crookston, MN, Renee Dulski (Bernie), Alexandria, MN, Sandy Tessier (Chuck Andersen), Denver, CO, 1 son, Gary Tessier (Peggy), Moorhead, MN, 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 3 step great-grandchildren, 1 sister, Beatrice Ness (Bernie) and many nieces and nephews.

Bernice resided in Bethany Towers for 6 years and Bethany Nursing Home, for the past 5 years. During this time she was provided compassionate and loving care by the staff of Bethany Homes and Hospice of the Red River Valley, Fargo. The family extends sincere thanks to the entire staff, and prefers memorials in lieu of flowers to go to Hospice of the Red River Valley.