ROCKLAND – Bernice K. Loker, 94, born in Lawrence, Mass., on Sept. 13, 1919, died in Rockland on June 15, 2014. She was the third child of Emil H. and Louise Amandah Duschaine Ammon. She grew up in Lawrence with her older brothers, Emil and Warren.

Bernice graduated from Lawrence High School in 1937 and continued her academic life by attending nursing school at St. Joseph's Hospital and attaining her registered nurse certification. She was the first in her family to go to college.

It was while working on the children's ward in Taunton, Mass., that she met her husband, Walter R. Loker of Medfield, Mass. They had two children, Ruth Ann and Walter John. In the early 1950s, Bernice and Walter moved to Rockland, put down roots and raised their children.
Bern loved being a nurse and did both floor duty, and private duty nursing at the old Knox Hospital. Many of those patients became lifelong friends.

In later years she spent summers at Crawford Pond in Union; she called it her "Shangra-La". This "Queen of the Lake" rowed her boat for an hour every day except Sunday. Bernice continued to enjoy these morning rows until the age of 92. Bernice was a member of the Nurses Guild, Crawford Lake Association, Shrine Ladies and Circle of Friends.

She is survived by her children, Ruth Ann (William) Ingham and W. John (Wendy) Loker; her grandchildren, Fred (Susan) Ingham, Caroline (Andrew) Kratz, Brian (Tanya) Loker and Sarah (Matt ) Wilkes; her great-grandchildren, Roland Ingham, and Gunnar, Thor, Rockett, Ava Marie and Boomer Kratz. Her husband, Walter, predeceased her in 1985; and her grandson, David Ingham in 1991.

A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, Sept. 13 at 1:30 p.m. at Rockland Congregational Church, 180 Limerock Street. Bernice's life was filled with love, love for others and love that was returned to her in abundance.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her name may be made to the Knox County Nurses Guild, P.O. Box 341, Owls Head, ME., 04854; or the Crawford Lake Association, P.O. Box 22, Union, ME 04862; or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.