Berenice May Bloomquist
Obituary
BERENICE MAY BLOOMQUIST
Our accomplished and lovely mother, Berenice May Bloomquist, passed away peacefully at age 95 on August 8, 2014, in Des Moines, Washington.
Berenice was born to Austin and Ellena Ryan in 1919 in Portland, Oregon. She met her husband of 69 years, Stanford Bloomquist, in Crane, Oregon, where they were both high school teachers. They married in 1942 in Portland. Stan taught Berenice to drive a car so she could pick him up after he skied down the slopes of Mt. Hood!
Berenice graduated from Grant High School in Portland, received her undergraduate degree at Lewis and Clark College, and received her Masters’ degree in counseling from the University of Washington at age 50. She concluded her counseling career after opening Tyee High School in the Highline School District.
Stan and Berenice built a home and raised their three children in Gregory Heights in Burien. They spent many happy retirement years living and playing golf at Glenacres.
Berenice is survived by her three children, Dr. Dale Bloomquist (Dr. Heidi Horowitz) of Seattle, Nancy Brockbank (Wayne) of Utah, and Karen Duffy (Patrick) of Edgewood. Also survived by grandchildren Marta Bloomquist, Dr. Danica Bloomquist (Laurent Guex), Wes Brockbank (Emily), Brynna Brockbank, Dierdre Duffy, Claire Duffy and Tory Frol (Garrett) and eight and one-half great-grandchildren!
Berenice was preceded in death by her husband Stan (2012) and grandson McKell Brockbank.
A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Highline Schools Foundation, 15675 Ambaum Blvd. SW, Burien WA 98166 or donate online at www.highlineschoolsfoundation.org.
Mrs. Bloomquist was my counselor when I was a student at Tyee High School from 1964=66. To this day, I remember her humor, wisdom and caring. What a powerful and wonderful influence she was for so many. I sent her an invitation to my wedding even though I was sure she wouldn’t be able to come. I still have the precious vase she sent us as a present. How blessed all of us were to have had her in our lives.
Mrs Bloomquist was the class of 75’s counselor and she was fantastic. I can still picture her , leg crossed, leaning forward and listening intently to me. She made you feel like you were significant and what you had to say had value. I am sad she passed away but fill with joy for her as it looks like she has a fantastic family.
She is a treasured memory.
mrs. B was my lifesaver in high school, class of “72” because of her i graduated. i have thought of her often over the years and told my grandchildren about her. heaven has welcomed a very special angel.
I graduated in 1966 from Tyee High School and Mrs. Bloomquist was my counselor during my high school years. She was so nice. She had a good sense of humor and was just a wonderful person. I know she made a positive influence on many young people’s lives. We have all been truly blessed by her!
Oh what a lovely lady and caring counselor I had during my high school years at Tyee High 1964-66. I feel the way so many felt about her. It sounds as though she had a wonderful life with her family and her accomplishments. I will be so excited to see her on the other side when our LORD sees fit to take me. God bless you Mrs. Bloomquist and thank you for giving us so much kindness and guidance. XO
Would of never graduated without her…..she was the BEST!!!!
I am so saddened to hear the news. Berenice was such a lovely, dear lady. She and my daughter Deanna shared birthdates. I loved laughing with her at staff parties. I will always remember her.
I remember her well, even after these fifty years. We, Terry Anderson and I offen went astray and she would understand with a kind word and firm direction. I, as many have, much to be thankful for having her to guide us in those formative years. She is remembered by the many students, faculty and parents she touched and lives with us and through the example she set. Love you Mrs. B!
I was fortunate to have Bernice Bloomquist as my 9th grade English teacher at Chinook Jr High School. I recall her as a caring, great and gifted teacher who set high standards and expectations for students and motivated them to do their best. I extend my sincerest condolences to the Bloomquist family.
Mrs. Bloomquist was my counselor at Tyee High School. She was loved by us all. Always welling to talk and sort out silly situations.
Prayers to you all.
I graduated 1972 at Tyee and she was my counselor and first special education came to Tyee and she was so sweet and nice … R I P Bernenice !!!
My condolences to Mrs. Bloomquist’s family. She was an important part of my school life, from 7th grade at Chinook Jr. High through my graduation from Tyee HS. Her sincere interest in our lives was a positive influence on many of us.
Mrs. Bloomquist was my counselor at Tyee High School and I remember her well. She was a wonderful person and always smiling. My condolences to her to family.
Mrs. B was an absolute treasure. …..She was someone you actually enjoyed walking towards, as opposed to dodging on campus. Also my counselor 1975…someone I listened to, and greatly admired. R.I.P. Lovely Lady
I graduated in the class of 1966 from Tyee High School. Mrs. Bloomquist was my counselor and was very instrumental in helping me plan what I was going to do after graduation. She was a wonderful and caring person who could easily relate to all of us. When I think back on my life I always recognize and give credit to Mrs. Bloomquist for helping steer me in the direction of a military career. God bless her and congratulations to her surviving family members for having the good fortune of being related to her.
You had a profound positive affect on me. Good bye Mrs. Bloomquist
You had a profound positive affect on me. Good bye Mrs. Bloomquist
Bernice was a mentor to many. Her expectations and high standards for those of us at Tyee High School were talked about and admired. She became a beloved family friend to our parents at Glenacres and to Carol and I. She was our Mother’s BFF and matron of honor at Mother’s second marriage. We loved her and were lucky to know such a lovely and authentic woman who enabled us to be our best selves. We will always remember her. Love and sympathy to the family.
Mrs Bloomquist was such a perfect example to me through Chinook and Tyee. Remembering Girl’s Club and English and good council. She became good friends with my parents (Chuck and Fredde Schomburg) and as couples they golfed, played cards and discussed world issues. Thank you for being a shining example Mrs B. You will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Ms. B. was a model and a mentor for so many of us– She was gracious, kind but firm and you always felt she really listened to you when you went to see her. She held the bar high and when you were complemented, you could be certain it was not a gratuitous comment, but earned. I was another who was lucky enough to have her wisdom during my Chinook and Tyee years. I am sending my sincere condolences to the family.
My memories of my favorite teacher go way back to the 1950’s. She was my teacher at Angle Lake Elem in 4th, 6th, and 7th grade and taught my brother in 4th and 7th grade. She made school fun and gave us such an excellent background in English (even learning to diagram sentences was enjoyable). I absolutely adored her and she inspired me to spend over 30 years teaching elementary school myself. I still am so thankful that she was a part of my life and gave me the skills to be successful in school and life. I am so sorry for your loss.