Bernida Johnson

Coeur d’Alene

Bernida Mae Johnson was born September 27, 1934, to Thomas and Margaret (Meyers) Moate in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. While growing up in Coeur d’ Alene, Bernida, attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy where she graduated from High School.

Bernida enjoyed roller skating, spending time with friends and relatives and worked at Blocks shoe store and Playland Pier. Roller skating was a fun weekend activity in which one Saturday night she met a handsome young man. Together they learned to dance on roller skates. This was the beginning of them learning together how to move through life with sequenced steps for the next 60 years, through their marriage and raising 6 children together. Bernida was united in marriage to Harold Johnson at St. Thomas Catholic Church on April 25, 1953. The couple moved to Plaza, North Dakota where they began farming and raising their family.

In 1991, they retired from farming and returned to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Harold died in 2013, and Bernida remained at her home. Following a decline in health, Bernida died peacefully at the Schniedmiller Hospice House on May 21, 2025, at the age of 90.

While in the small rural area in North Dakota, Bernida experienced a strong sense of community throughout the years and made lifelong friends. Bernida was part of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ladies Aid, PTA, 4H and at one point took swimming lessons. She enjoyed sewing. Bernida had a good eye when it came to clothing and loved putting an outfit together. ensuring every detail. She also took pride in the family home and its décor.

She had a sweet tooth and made great desserts and enjoyed baking. With Bernida, one thing stood above everything else, family. She displayed and demonstrated throughout her life how family sticks together, supports, loves and encourages each other. A bond, not to be broken. This, along with love, is the greatest gift she gave her children.

Bernida is lovingly remembered by her children, Loren (and Maggie) Johnson, Andrea (and Myron) Sanders, Sonja Enger, and Julie (and Tim) Moslander; grandchildren, Alacias Enger, Anette Enger, Zeke Walker, Jared Sanders (Amanda Hancock), Tyler (Veronica) Johnson, Sarah Johnson (Christopher Fallen), Zachery (Heather) Moslander, Seth (Lizzy) Moslander, Caleb Moslander; great grandchildren, Mac, Maddox, Merit, Bennett; a brother, Robert Moate; a sister, Sharon (Chuck) Dorisi; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; a son and daughter, Mervyn Johnson and Lucinda Johnson; son-in-law, Larry Walker; and sisters, Helen Irons, and Beverly Justus.

It’s hard to imagine, all a person has experienced in 90 years. The wisdom gained and wisdom possessed. We are celebrating the unique life Bernida had lived.

Blessed and eternal be the memory, Bye for now…. Bernida Mae Johnson.

A Celebration of Bernida’s Life was held in Idaho. Final burial will be held at Rosehill Memorial Park in Minot on Monday, August 4, 2025 at 2 p.m. To honor Bernida’s love of clothing, please feel free to wear bright, cheerful attire. The family requests consideration of donation to Hospice of North Idaho.

Published by The Minot Daily News July 30, 2025.