BERNICE ANNE TROJAHN

Our beloved friend, neighbor and parishioner, Bernice Anne Trojahn, passed away peacefully and returned to our Lord on May 1, 2023 in Bakersfield, California.  Bernice was born on July 28, 1931 in Primghar, O’Brien County, Iowa to Jack and Anna Trojahn.   She was preceded in death by her parents Jack & Anna and siblings Donald, Darrell, Lorrayne and Elva and dear friends Ruth Hayes, Dorrie Hoagland and many pets over the years.

Bernice graduated from Arnolds Park High School in 1949. She moved to California in the early 50’s after her parents sold their farm in Iowa and bought a hotel in Long Beach.  She attended Long Beach City College before starting her career at Bank of America in 1954 in North Hollywood working her way up from teller, loan officer and eventually Bank Manager before retiring in 1984.  She was a longtime resident of Frazier Park buying her property in Pinon Pines in 1971.  She loved the mountains and snow and camped out on her property for many years before building her home in the late 70’s where she remained a full-time resident after her retirement until she moved to Assisted Living in Bakersfield in 2021. She was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church in 1987 sponsored by her friend and former coworker Ruth Hayes.   She was devoted to her faith and her church, and was instrumental in keeping Our Lady of the Snows running smoothly for over 30 years.  She had many roles in the church including writing up the history, serving on Finance Council, Parish Council, Women’s Club, Eucharistic Minister, Religious Education and Parish Coordinator/ Administrator.  She also served on the Pinon Pines Board and Meals on Wheels. 

Bernice was fiercely independent, never married and had no children.  She enjoyed nature, reading, cross word puzzles, games and entertaining in her early years.  She was tough on the outside and very set in her ways, but she treasured her longtime friends and she will be deeply missed by many who fondly called her Bernie, especially her Lady of the Snows Catholic family. 

We thank those who visited her after her move to Assisted Living in Bakersfield.  We are grateful for the compassionate care she received at Ivy at Seven Oaks Memory Care over the last three months and Hoffmann Hospice over the last six weeks. 

Services will be held at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church, 7115 Lakewood Drive, Frazier Park, CA 93225 on Friday, May 26, 2023, 9:00AM Rosary with Mass and Reception to follow.  Interment at San Fernando Catholic Mission Cemetery, 11160 Stranwood Avenue, Mission Hills, CA 91345 at 1:00 PM.

Donations can be made in her name to Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church or any of the following that were near to her heart: City of Hope, Valley Public Radio and Nazareth House Fresno.

May you Rest in Peace, Good and Faithful Servant.