Bernice Marie Martello, 71, passed away in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho on Tuesday morning.

Family services will be held in the spring.

Bernice was born on April 24, 1948 in Seattle, Wash., the daughter of Alva and Lucille Walker. As a child Bernice grew up around Anaheim, Calif., where she attended local schools, graduating from Compton High School. She later moved to the Sandpoint, Idaho, area, working in day care centers. She established, and operated, Bernice’s Day Care from 1988 until 2005. She always worked with, and supported, children. She married Jerry Martello, in Coeur d’Alene, on Feb. 14, 1988.

Bernice was a member of the Red Hat Association, supported local cancer drives and was a volunteer at Lifecare. She loved the Lions Club and could be seen driving Jerry’s red convertible in the local 4th of July parades. She liked to travel, with Jerry, in their motorhome.

She is survived by her husband, Jerry; and three children, Michael, Jay, and Tim. Also surviving are eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; her sisters Susan and Drenna; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook, for Bernice, at coffeltfuneral.com.

Final arrangements have been entrusted to Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint.