Bernice Yvette Dufour Magown

Bernice was the youngest girl born to Thomas and Meddie Bouthot Dufour, who raised a large French family in Madawaska, Maine. French was spoken at home and in the town, with English being spoken at the school. Bernice was fair, friendly and devoted to her home, family and the Catholic Church.

Bernice was close to her two older sisters Flo and Lorraine and her baby brother Ray. She loved sports, especially basketball. Her BIG achievement in her youth was winning a scholarship to Mount Merici Academy which was taught by Ursuline Nuns in Waterville, Maine. All of the girls in the family graduated Normal School and became teachers. Bernice loved teaching early elementary classes.

While on a working summer vacation, Bernice met the love of her life, Herbert Bruce Magown. As a singing waitress, she sang "My Man" and meant it. They were married on September 24, 1941 and moved to Massachusetts where they lived their entire married life. They had four children who became the focus of their lives. After her children grew up, Bernice went to work at American Mutual Insurance until Herbie became ill and Bernice needed to be at home. Herbie died on November 18, 1975.

Bernice went to work for the town of Wakefield in the Clerk's office. She was active in the Catholic Church, Daughters of Isabella and the Guild. She worked at the polls and was active in helping the people of the community. She was politically active and traveled with her sisters Lorraine and Flo. They were call the "Golden Girls" by Lorraine's husband, Jimmy and it stuck.

In 1995, a visit to Mom left me and my siblings concerned about Mom's ability to live alone. David the closest son, lived in New Hampshire which was an hour away and he had a busy schedule. Nancy took Mom to live in Florida near Ken and Nancy Jean and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and was started on medicine.

Florida weather did not agree with Bernice and in 1998, Nancy & Bernice moved to El Cajon, California. Nancy, Travis (grandson) and his wife Monica and Janice all took turns living with Bernice, at different times. When it became too unsafe to take care of Bernice at home she was moved to assisted living and then a skilled nursing home. Bernice's last home was The Bradley Court in El Cajon where she was very happy. When it became clear that Bernice was ready to die, Vitas Hospice was called. She was ushered into heaven amid French prayers and hymns. She had heard the voices of her children and her grandson Travis.

Bernice is survived by her brother Ray Dufour and his wife Betty in Utah. Four children, Ken Magown, his wife Nancy J. and their 3 children and 3 grandchildren in Florida. Jan Smith from California and her 2 sons and 2 grandchildren. Nancy Procurot, her 2 daughters and 5 grandchildren from Florida. David Magown and his wife Ronna from California. Many extended family members throughout the country.