Bernice L. 'Bea' Paine, 78

Bernice L. "Bea" Paine, 78, passed away Friday, Nov. 17, 2006, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.

She was born July 19, 1928, to Ida and Gus Souza.

Bea met Bill Paine and fell madly in love. They were married shortly after in Mexico in 1953. The couple was blessed with three wonderful children, Marcy, Bill and Debbie; and also five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

The couple lived in Bigfork. Bea loved to shop and play the nickel poker machines. She always went to the Bigfork bowling alley to watch Bill bowl and visit with her friends. But most of all she really enjoyed playing Tick with the girls on Tuesdays. Every December, she would have Bill drive her through Bigfork, just to see all the Christmas lights.

Bea truly cared about everyone she met and made everyone feel so welcome in her home. Her smile and laughter lit up the room when with her family and friends.

Memorial services for Bernice will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2006, at the Little Brown Church in Bigfork, with Pastor Ron Pierce officiating. The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to the American Heart Association: 510 First Ave. N. No. 114, Great Falls, MT 59401.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Bernice's family.