Bernadine Marie Starken (Bernie) passed away on July 4, 2021. She was a daughter, a wife, a grandmother, a great grandmother, a caregiver, a volunteer, a student, a friend, and an entrepreneur.
Bernadine was born May 5, 1934 on a farm in Redwood County, Minnesota; her parents were Walter and Velma Schnormeier. Bernadine was able to accomplish many things in her 87 years. She created, owned, and ran 3 successful businesses, The Flair Beauty Salon, Wigs Unlimited, and Huntingfield Manor Bed and Breakfast. At the age of 50 she became a college student and received her AA Degree in Business Management.
Her life was always peppered with volunteer work, including holding a councilor position with the Extension Service in Montgomery County, assisting families to avoid home foreclosures. She was President of The Federated Jr. Women Club, a member of the Montgomery County Diabetes Association, the New Yarmouth Questers, and The Corsica Ladies Investment Club. Most recently she was the manager of the Heron Point Gifts Shop. She also loved spending time with her animals, Charlie the cat, Minnie the poodle, Pepper the weiner dog, Bird the bird, and her peacocks Jeffrey and Rebecca.
Bernadine is survived by her two sons; Timothy and Ruth Starken of Centerville, MD. Thomas and Robin Starken of Preston, MD. Five grandchildren, Lieutenant Colonel Austin and Melissa Starken, Major Cody Starken, Kaylin & Erich Wagenblatt, Keirsa & Andrew Buckingham and Kyle Starken. As well as two great grandchildren Declan Starken and Ari Wagenblatt, with many nieces and nephews.
Her death is preceded by her Father Walter Schnormeier 1909-1995, her Mother Velma Schnormeier 1913-1987, Husband George Starken 1934-2018, Daughter Gail Starken 1954-1978, Sister Corrinne Anderson 1935-1977, Brother Russell Schnormeier 1931-2019.
Her service was July 10 at Heron Point in Wesley Hall in Chestertown, MD. Arrangements by Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home www.fhnfuneralhome.com.