Bernice Cook Roberts

Bernice Cook Roberts, a long-time resident of Redlands and fifth generation Californian passed away on October 9, 2024 at age 102. She was born in San Bruno, on February 26, 1922 to Harry and Edith Cook. Bernice graduated from Burlingame High in 1939 and obtained her degree and teaching credential from San Francisco State in 1943. Her first teaching job was a one room schoolhouse in Fall River Mills, California. She pursued advanced studies at UCLA, then relocated to Redlands to begin teaching First Grade at Kingsbury School. She recalled the Superintendent picking her up at the Redlands train station for her interview. 

Bernice married Ralph Roberts in 1946 and continued to teach until her children arrived. In 1959, she returned to teach Kindergarten at Mission School for San Bernardino County. She counted this experience the pinnacle of her career. She also taught students at Smiley and Lugonia Schools and retired in 1984. Her devotion to her students never wavered and she remained an advocate for education her entire life. 

Bernice was a faithful member of Faith Lutheran Church in Yucaipa for many years. She belonged to Trash and Treasure, Friends of Smiley Library and the Redlands Historical Society as well as other civic groups. She was an accomplished watercolor artist and Beatrix Potter expert. Her final years were spent in Mission Viejo where she created many new friendships.

Bernice is survived by her daughters, Julianne Lloyd (Dennis) and Helen Tross (Daniel), and son, Charles Roberts (Bridget Gruette); also by her grandchildren, Julie Bartholomew, Gregory Tross and Annelise Lloyd, and her great grandchildren, Philip Bartholomew and Rowan Tross. She will be missed by her family and friends after a long, productive and well-lived life. 

Memorials may be made to the Yosemite Conservancy, 101 Montgomery Street, Suite 2450, San Francisco, California, 94104 or Yosemite.org