Bernice Larson-Van Derzee
Bernice Larson-Van Derzee, 88, of Sarasota, FL passed away peacefully in the company of her family. Bernice was born in Minneapolis, MN to Clarence and Matilda Larson, and spent most of her childhood in Watertown, MN. She worked in a local drug store for a year to save money for college, and attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN. She then started her career in advertising, first in Minneapolis, then in New York. In 1957, she took a secretary position with the Arabian American Oil Company in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, where she met her husband, Bob Van Derzee. They were married in Tarrytown, NY on September 14, 1962. She and Bob returned to Saudi Arabia, where they raised their three children, Robin, Jim, and Brooks.
They traveled the world extensively and developed many life-long friendships before retiring to Sarasota in 1985. Bob and Bernice resided in Palm Aire and were active members of The Church of the Palms. Bernice is survived by her husband, Bob Van Derzee of Sarasota, Robin and John Sego of Myakka City, Jim and Lauren Van Derzee of Richmond, VA, and Brooks and Sonya Van Derzee of Bradenton. She enjoyed the company of her 5 grandchildren and is also survived by her brother Myron and sister Jan of Minnesota.
She will be remembered as a generous, loving, and caring wife, mother, and friend. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34239 and Tidewell Hospice 5955 Rand Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34238.