Bernice Rose Peterson, 87, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior, Friday, January 27, 2012. In accordance with Bernice's wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will take place at St. Jude Catholic Church on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 1 p.m. with Father Dan Wathen officiating. The family plans a reception following the service at St. Jude's Parish Center. Her ashes will be placed next to her loving husband in Highland Cemetery in a private family ceremony. Memorials in Bernice's honor can be made to the Northern Montana Care Center Chapel Fund. Holland and Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements. Bernice was born on October 28, 1924 in Harlem, Montana to Irv and Lucy (O'Brien) Fitzsimmons. She spent her childhood on the family ranch near Savoy, Montana. Bernice graduated from Harlem High School in 1942. She married Francis (Pete) Peterson on August 28, 1942. The couple spent a brief time in Whitefish, Montana and later in Idaho Falls, Idaho, but spent the majority of their life in Havre. To this union five children were born; Rosie, Frank, Sheila, Gary, and Mike. Bernice was a sweet, kind and gentle lady and a good friend to many. Among her closest friends were Rita Mapes, Betty Kuntz and Mary Lou Golden. She truly never met a person she didn't like. She was a wife and homemaker; not only for her own family, but other family members who lived with her through her life, including her father-in-law and nephew. Later she was a caregiver for her mother for nine years and her husband during his last years with Parkinson's. Her family was her pride and joy. In her early years she enjoyed bowling, camping, loved board games and games on her computer. She was a member of TOPS for 20 years. She loved baking and yard work and keeping up her home, and in her last years Sunday dinners with family that daughter-in-law Connie prepared. Her last several months at the Care Center were special; filled with bingo, activities and friends. Bernice was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 60 years Pete; her daughter Sheila Otterstrom; her parents, Irv and Lucy; brothers Paul, Jack, and Ted; and sister Lois. She is survived by her children: Rosie (Pat) Tierney; Frank (Connie) Peterson; Gary (Robin) Peterson all of Havre, Mike (Laura) Peterson of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin and her son-in-law Craig Otterstrom of Havre. Her sisters Irene Gilbert of Great Falls, Montana, Mary (Tom) Sanford of Helena, Montana, and Jan Clawsen of Tucson, Arizona; sisters-in-law Charlotte Hargrave of Enumclaw, Washington and Joan Fitzsimmons of Center North Dakota; eleven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. She was also close to several nieces and nephews.