Bernette Lenore Frigaard passed away peacefully in her sleep at Parkhurst House in Hood River, Ore., on Feb. 18, 2012. Bernette was born April 15, 1919, to Albert and Martha Bakken in Rural Sharon, N.D., the oldest of five children.

Bernette attended school in Sharon and was baptized and confirmed at Hoff Lutheran Church. She attended Mayville State Teachers College earning a standard degree in education in 1939. She taught in one-room schools in rural North Dakota. In 1941 she began teaching at the Frigaard School near Cooperstown where she met James Frigaard.

Bernette and James were married on June 25, 1942, at her home near Sharon. They lived and farmed north of Cooperstown for 23 years. In 1965 they moved to Hood River.

Bernette was a first-grade teacher at Coe Primary and May Street School in Hood River. She finished her college degree at age 50, attending night school and summer school for many years. She was very dedicated to her career in education and enjoyed working with children.

Bernette was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was active in her church. In retirement, she and James enjoyed traveling, especially visiting with family. They were volunteers with Meals on Wheels and at Hood River Memorial Hospital for many years. Her hobbies included reading, baking and writing letters, journals and travelogues.

Survivors include two brothers, Charles and Randy Bakken; three daughters, Lenore (Terry) Lebahn of Valley City, N.D., Colleen (Lloyd) Jones, of Hood River, Marjorie (Douglas) Schull, of Castle Rock, Colo., two sons, Brian (Marilee) Frigaard, of Oregon City, Ore., and Kent (Meredith) Frigaard, of Wilsonville, Ore.; 16 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Her husband, James, a brother, Albert, sister, Mavis, and grandson, Brandon Frigaard, preceded her in death.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, with interment at Pine Grove Cemetery.

Memorials to Bernette may be given to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1140 Tucker Road, Hood River, OR 97031.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center (Funerals – Receptions - Cremations), 1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River, OR 97031; 541-386-1000. Please visit www.andersonstributecenter.com to leave a note of condolence for family.