In Loving Memory Of
Bernice Catherine Myers
1938 ~ 2026
Bernice Catherine Myers passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026, surrounded by the family who loved her dearly. She was 87 years old.
Bernice was born on September 15, 1938, to Pietro “Pete” and Maria “Elsie” Buonaccorsi, Italian immigrants who settled in Occidental, California, where Bernice grew up alongside her siblings, Eleanor, Eugene “Corky,” and Douglas. She remained immensely proud of her Italian heritage throughout her life and had the opportunity to visit Italy six times.
In 1957, Bernice married Jon Charles “Jock” Merian. Together they welcomed four children: Rickey, Randy, Renee, and Rachelle. Tragically when Jock passed away unexpectedly in 1961, Bernice was left a young mother with three small children and a fourth on the way. Faced with tremendous loss and responsibility, she became a pillar of strength for her young family, showing the resilience and determination that would define her throughout her life.
In 1965, Bernice married Harold Myers, and together they welcomed two sons, Ernest and Gregory, completing their family of six children.
Bernice was a hard worker with a fiery, spirited personality and a sharp mind that remained with her until the very end. She was passionate, social, had a wicked sense of humor and was famous among her family for her perfectly timed one liners, many of which will undoubtedly be repeated for years to come.
She loved traveling, visiting the ocean, soaking up the sunshine, reading, and watching television, especially Hallmark movies. Bernice loved color and beauty, particularly the colorful flowers she grew in her garden.
More than anything, Bernice enjoyed being surrounded by the people she loved. Her home was a place for family to gather, and she especially treasured hosting holidays, with Christmas Eve holding a special place in her heart. She loved babysitting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, welcoming them for visits, and cheering them on from the sidelines at their sporting events.
Bernice was the devoted, loving mother of Rickey Merian and his wife, Mary; Randy Merian; Renee Merian; Rachelle Merian Albini and her husband, Edward; the late Ernest Myers; and Gregory Myers and his wife, Kimberly.
She was the proud grandmother of eight: Ashley, Ryan, Kelsey, Troy, Kaitlin, Courtney, Julia, and Matthew and great-grandmother of seven: Gavin, Bella, Emmalyn, Ryder, Parker, Blake, and Aubrey.
Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, Pietro “Pete” and Maria “Elsie” Buonaccorsi; her siblings, Eleanor, Eugene “Corky,” and Douglas; her husbands, Jon Charles “Jock” Merian and Harold Myers; and her beloved son, Ernest Myers.
Bernice leaves behind a remarkable legacy in the generations of family she loved so deeply and the traditions and memories they will carry forward. She will be remembered for her strength, her fierce love, her colorful personality, her quick wit, and the unmistakable presence she brought wherever she went.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those fortunate enough to have known her and loved her.
Visitation will be held on September 25th from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm at St. Phillip’s Church, 3730 Bohemian Hwy. in Occidental, followed by a Rosary from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Funeral services will be held on September 26th at 11:00 am at St. Phillip’s Church. A private burial will immediately follow. Family and friends are invited to gather for a reception at the Union Hotel, 3731 Main Street in Occidental, at 12:15 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Please join us in celebrating Bernice’s joyful spirit by wearing warm (cheerful) colors.
