Bernice Mae (Billington) Brandt, 90, who recently resided in Caldwell, Idaho "went home" on Sunday, August 31, 2014. Her daughter Diane Renee and son-in-law Michael were with her when she left. Bernice was born July 5, 1924 in Canby, Minnesota, the eighth child of Alexander Theodore and Josephine Sophia (Nygaard) Billington. After high school and business school Bernice moved to San Francisco, California to work there and live with her sister Alice. It was there that she met her future husband, Max Durrell Brandt, who had grown up in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Bernice and Max married September 10, 1949. She worked for the F. W. Woolworth Company in the accounting office until she and Max moved to Ventura, California in the early 1950's when Max went to work at Point Mugu Navel Air Station in California. After moving to Ventura (where she lived for over 60 years) Bernice worked in an office at the Ventura County Court House (until her son Bruce was born). Bernice and Max had a daughter Diane Renee in 1952 and a son Bruce Durrell in 1955. She took the title "Mom" very seriously. She was very active in both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts when Bruce and Diane were growing up. Bernice also loved to paint with oils. Bernice was preceded in death by her husband Max and son Bruce; her parents and seven siblings: Leonora, Dorothy, Alice, John, George, Raymond and Vernon. She is survived by her daughter Diane Renee Macdonell and son-in-law Michael Angus Macdonell of Nampa, Idaho; sister-in-law Julia Billington of Oakland, California and numerous nieces and nephews. Diane and Michael would like to thank the following for the care provided to Bernice over the past few years: the staff at the Palms Assisted Living, the Community Memorial Hospital and The Californian all in Ventura, California; the Autumn Wind Assisted Living and West Valley Medical Center both in Caldwell, Idaho. A Special "Thank You" to her special friends, Jean Apple, Carol Lockart and Linda Lowe and to those of you that helped Bernice smile. Bernice's favorite song was "You Are My Sunshine" and many will remember hearing her sing it. A services in California will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in memory of Bernice to the Santa Paula Art Museum, 117 North 10th Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060, or a charity of your choice. To express condolences please visit zeyerfuneralchapel.com. (208-467-7300)
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