Bernice M. Bristow

March 25, 1926 - December 14, 2020

Bernice Marie Bristow, 94, passed away on December 14th at Mease Life Memory Care in Dunedin, FL. She was born in Edwardsville, IL on March 25, 1926 to William and Emma (Stille) Meikamp. Bernice had one brother, Eldon “Mike” Meikamp who introduced her to her future husband, Robert Bristow, also of Edwardsville. Bernice and Robert were married the day after Christmas in 1948. Bernice lived with her husband in Columbus, OH; Towanda, PA and Urbana, IL before moving to Charlton, NY where they lived for over 20 years. She and her family moved to Dunedin, FL in 1974. Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, brother and husband of over 50 years. She is survived by her son, David and his wife Mary of Bentonville, AR. Her daughters; Nancy of Mammoth Lakes, CA and Carol of Oldsmar, FL. She also leaves behind many friends in the Dunedin area. Bernice was active, involved and always learning. She traveled extensively visiting countries all over the globe. Her travels included camping with her family as the children were growing up. She enjoyed rail trips, participating in Elderhostels and other adventures including Europe and South America with her husband. After he passed, she continued to travel, often with her good friend Evelyn. Bernice was an accomplished cook. She also took great pride in sewing beautiful garments for herself and her daughters. Always up for a new challenge, Bernice learned to refinish furniture and paint. She was always active and over the years enjoyed gardening, downhill and cross-country skiing, bicycling and walking. She and her family gathered scallops in St. Joseph Sound and water skied on Lake Tarpon. She was an active participant in the Dunedin walking club and her neighborhood bowling league until her later years. Bernice was an active volunteer at Ruth Eckerd Hall for over 20 years. She was also active in PEO, a philanthropic organization dedicated to the advancement, education and motivation of women where she held many leadership roles. During most of her time in Dunedin, she was an active member of the Dunedin United Methodist church. For friends who would like to make memorials in Bernice’s honor, some of the organizations that meant a lot to her are the Alzheimers Disease and Related Disorders Association (alz.org), Suncoast Hospice (suncoasthospice.org/donate) and the First United Methodist Church of Dunedin (dunedinfumc.org). There will be an outdoor socially-distanced celebration of Bernice’s life on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at 11 AM at Curlew Hills Memory Gardens