Bernie Perleberg was at peace early Tuesday morning, preparing herself for the long awaited "HOMECOMING" with her Lord. She's free from the struggle with cancer and is now sharing her beautiful smile and laughter with all those in Heaven. She was a breath of fresh air, funny, loved to visit, full of life and full of the Spirit. Many on earth can still hear her laughter, echoing down the many school halls she has walked for more than thirty years in the Wenatchee Valley. Throughout this ordeal, she found comfort and strength from Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength". Bernie was born in Los Angeles, CA to Lee and Hope Martinez. She grew up in Downey, CA. After completing school, she married her sweetheart, Jack Mills, in January of 1969. They had a son, whom they named Michael. Jack was killed when Michael was only three months old. Later, she met and married a Cashmere resident, Bob Perleberg, who was teaching in Long Beach, CA at the time. In September of 1971, they were blessed with another son, Brian. The whole family spent their summers up at Lake Tahoe, where Bob was a Naturalist for the U.S. Forest Service. Bernie and the boys had non-stop fun enjoying the out-of-doors. Bernie was loved by all. In 1980, she and Bob decided they needed a better place to raise their two boys - back to the Wenatchee Valley, where they have lived for the past 30 years. It was here, that Bernie first found out about Head Start. She was a "natural" for this program. Her enthusiasm, love and drive to improve all aspects of the program was fantastic. Children & Families Come First was one of her biggest goals. Head Start's current Director, Sara Bartrum, said, "that she made differences in the lives of many children and families." She went on to say, "she lifted families up, believed in their dreams, treated them with dignity and was always there for them." Bernie looked beyond, to something bigger than herself and made a difference. Her advocating for children and families, along with her abilities to find other strengths, was amazing. She was strong willed and very optimistic. She encouraged them to reach for goals they never thought they could otherwise obtain. The ripple effect of the lives she's touched will continue to grow for generations. We will certainly miss her infectious smile and contagious laugh, but most of all, we're going to miss Bernie and the person she was.

Bernie is survived by her husband of 39 years, Bob. They were blessed with two beautiful sons, Michael of East Wenatchee and Brian of Portland, OR. Bernie dearly adored her four grandchildren, Nicole, Katie and Emily, who live in Fort Collins, and Roy from Portland, OR. Bernie would always comment about all the wonderful times she had with her grandchildren in July of 2009. Shortly after that, she was diagnosed with cancer - her second bout. She praised God for allowing her time with her grandchildren. They were special. Bernie was blessed with a wonderful family of five sisters, Priscilla Nelson, Penny Wright, Valerie Martin and Claudette Moeller, all of Coeur d'Alene, ID, and Brigette Martinez of Post Falls, ID.

A very special thanks to all the folks at the Wenatchee Valley Medical Center, who touched the life of Bernie. Specifically, we would like to thank Dr. Mitch Garrison and Dr. Ian Cunningham. These doctors were very special to Bernie and will be in her heart forever. All of the folks in the Infusion Room and Radiology Department she loved dearly. And finally, Vickie and Rick, at the front entrance to the Clinic. They were there every time she pulled up to the main entrance and helped her into a wheelchair. Norco Medical Services also met Bernie's needs. A big thank you to Rick Couch, Michelle Olson and Jeremiah Schritter for outstanding service. Our area is certainly blessed with many fine medical folks.

A Mass will be held on Wednesday, March 24, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Wenatchee, located at 625 S. Elliott Street. In lieu of flowers, etc., please make a donation to the Wellness Place, P.O. Box 1802, Wenatchee, WA 98807-1802. To make additional tributes, condolenses and donations, visit: www.telfordschapel.com. Arrangements by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.