Berndetta Ann Carman
April 08, 1933 - January 11, 2021
Obituary
FITCHBURG - Berndetta Ann Carman died on Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, at St. Mary's Hospital, after a brief illness. She was born on April 8, 1933, in Madison, Wis., the oldest child of Lawrence and Mary (Guanella) Schneider. She grew up in Fitchburg and Oregon, Wis., graduating from Oregon High School in 1951. She became a Registered Nurse in 1954, graduating with St. Mary's Hospital School of Nursing Class of that year. In 1955, she was united in marriage to Richard J. Carman until his death in 2013. She raised four children in Madison, working as a nurse at St. Mary's Hospital and Attic Angels Nursing Home.
Family was very important to Berndetta. She looked forward to spending time with them at each of the holidays; she enjoyed the adventures of road trips to visit her daughter, Beth in California; and she adored her grandchildren and was a large part of their life. Berndetta was a wonderful hostess and enjoyed cooking for her family and friends.
Berndetta had a green thumb and liked to care for her house plants. She was an avid reader and had a love for books-historical fiction being her favorite. Berndetta enjoyed being responsible for the lending library at Northern Lights Village. She also volunteered at Agrace HospiceCare and the Wisconsin Historical Society where she led tours.
Berndetta is survived by her children, Elizabeth (Thomas) Weber, Thomas (Jeanne') and Daniel (Rae); grandchildren, Marie, Kevin, Nick and Sarah; and brother, Gerald (Carolyn) Schneider; daughter-in-law, Nancy; and brother-in-law, Chuck Gribble. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 58 years, Richard; sisters, Betty and Berneice; and son, Steven.
Berndetta led a full life of family, friends, work and leisure. She will be greatly missed. In this time of Pandemic, she requested no service. Interment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Oregon. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to Agrace HospiceCare or Fitchburg Senior Center Meal Program. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002
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Memories
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Lorna Selleck
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My sincere sympathy to the Carman family, she loved you all so much. I got to enjoy cleaning for your Mom for 5 years, we shared many talks and cookies! She always talked of where to move to next because of her eyesight, but she never knew where the right place would be, now she has no worries and is at peace. I will truly miss Detta, as will many others at Northern Lights Village. Lorna Selleck
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Jeanne' Carman
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Shared a photo.
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Thomas Carman
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Shared a photo.
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Carolyn Jambura
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Remembering all the good times with Detta and her husband Dick over the years. So sorry for your loss.
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Vicki Gustafson
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I only knew Detta for a short time as her next door neightbor for a nearly a year and a half. We first met even before I moved in, striking up a lengthy, friendly driveway conversation at our mailboxes as I worked on readying my new home beside hers. Despite our age difference, there was immediate bonding. She was special from day one: caring, kind, and thoughtful. She welcomed me to my new community home and even into her own personal one as well. In the following months we shared stories of family, our own past experiences, humor and seriousness, lessons learned. We discovered we were nearly neighbors over 30 years ago, We had both lived on the same street, a handful of houses apart but a few years in between, so we missed each other. We shared a few meals and walks during our short time as neighbors. We chatted at the community Monday gazebo gatherings or on the driveway near the mailboxes, and in her home. She always offered a smile, lent an ear, offered advice, anything I needed to borrow. There were even times when she anticipated ways she could help me before I realized it. “That’s what neighbors are for” was her friendly reply. So I will miss my friend, my neighbor. I will miss her friendship, optimism, thoughtfulness and spirit. A very special lady. I regret our times together were few. I cherish those we had all the same. Rest in peace, my special friend. Vicki Gustafson