Bernice Pendroy

Bernice “BC” Pendroy, age 88 of Sauk Centre and formerly of Grey Eagle and St. Paul, died quietly with her family around her on Friday morning, April 5, 2019 at the Quiet Oaks Hospice Home in St.  Augusta, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 13th at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Grey Eagle with Rev. Ronald Dockendorf presiding. Interment will be held in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church and also from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday before the funeral mass at the church. Parish prayers will be said at 7 p.m in the church.

Bernice Marie (Van Heel) Pendroy, daughter of Casper H. and Barbara E. (Wogdoll) Van Heel was born, April 28, 1930 on the family farm near rural St. Francis, Minnesota.  After graduating from high school, she was united in marriage to Charles G. Pendroy on September 16, 1950 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Grey Eagle, Minnesota.  Together, BC and Bud were blessed with three children, Diane, Tom, and Jerry.  As a tiny infant, Diane suffered an untimely death which truly took a severe toll on BC and Bud.  BC was a stay-at-home mom and 1960, the Pendroy’s took on a foster child, Allen.  He was part of Pendroy family until his adoption in 1961.

BC opened her licensed home day care in 1961 and retired from her day care profession in 1984.  Throughout the 23 years, BC had the privilege of caring for 54 children from age 6 weeks to 12 years old.  Following BC and Bud’s retirement – both in 1984, they enjoyed wintering in Texas for 18 years. She enjoyed fishing with Bud or just reading in their boat.  Her favorite stories were murder mysteries and she always had a book with her.  She also enjoyed doing handicrafts and making jewelry.  Together Bud and BC traveled the United States - making campgrounds their home as they explored. BC enjoyed spending time with her husband and had a great love for the family dogs - Bridget, Dusty, and Ginger.

She will be deeply missed by sons and daughters-in-law, Tom and Kathy Pendroy of Coon Rapids and Jerry and Joan Pendroy of Spring Lake Park; grandchildren, Heidi Pendroy, Sarah (William, I) Lane, Laura (Timothy) Rath, James Pendroy, Jenny (Matt) Lavigne, and Jodi (Jeff) Leirness; great grandchildren, Hailey Lane, William Lane, II, Maya Pendroy O'Toole, Liam Lavigne, Lyssa Lavigne, Holden Leirness, and Linden Leirness; and many nieces and nephews who really loved her.

BC was preceded in death by her husband, Charles “Bud” Pendroy exactly 3 years to the date of his death, April 5, 2016; their infant daughter, Diane Pendroy; parents, Casper and Barbara Van Heel; and her six siblings, Herbert Van Heel, Isabelle Luskey, Albert Van Heel, Edward Van Heel, Florence Engstrom, and Raymond Van Heel.

Serving as casket bearers are her grandchildren, Heidi, Sarah, Laura, James, Jenny, and Jodi. Cross bearer will be Hailey Lane and Liam Lavigne will be scripture bearer. Gift bearers included William Lane II, Maya Pendroy O'Toole, Lyssa Lavigne and Holden Leirness.