Bernice Ansfield

03/15/1912-05/08/2011
Former Hayward, CA resident Bernice Veirra “DeeDee” Dransfield died May 8, 2011 in Bellingham, WA. She was 99 years old. Mrs. Dransfield was born March 15, 1912 in Oakland, CA to Ida and Frank Vierra. Shortly after graduating from Healds Business School in May of 1933, she started her career at Friden Calculating Machine Company of San Leandro, CA (later the company was purchased by Singer Corporation).  After 45 years with the company she retired.  She met the love of her life, Norman Dransfield in 1963 and they were married in 1964.  After the death of her husband and mother, Bernice traveled extensively throughout Europe and the United States with a senior traveling group based out of Hayward, CA.  Bernice was passionate about volunteering, starting with the American National Red Cross during WWII and then with Kaiser Hospital in Hayward, CA for many years. Even at the age of 80, she was still driving her friends to church and appointments. Bernice was a member of the Oakland Garden Club. She was an avid fan of the Oakland Raiders and had season tickets for many years. She was part of a Hawaiian dance club with her Aunt Lee “Jean” Gutfeld, and performed in and around the Oakland, CA area. She is survived by her niece Joan Semas (Jerry) of Auburn WA, Sharon Helman (Ted) of Rancho Mirage, CA. and nephew Jay Vierra of Palo Alto, CA, cousins Barry Gutfeld (Kim) of Washington, NC, and Sandy (Phil) Steele of Moraga, CA and numerous grandnieces and nephews and great-grandnieces and nephews.  Memorials may be made to Whatcom Hospice. A family gathering will be held.